A RETAILER in Walsall is set to make a lifesaving difference after choosing first aid organisation St John Ambulance as its charity of the year.

Boundary Mill Stores Walsall nominated St John Ambulance as its local charity of the year partner and volunteers will provide first aid training to staff and host demonstrations and first aid awareness events for shoppers during the year.

As well as a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of Boundary Mill Stores Walsall own brand umbrellas and trolley tokens, the store has placed donation tins at every till point to raise funds for the charity.

The aim is to raise enough money to buy a defibrillator - which can restart someone’s heart following a cardiac arrest - and train staff in how to use it.

Volunteer Lucy Parrott, St John Ambulance area manager for Black Country North, said: "We are thrilled that the Boundary Mill Stores Walsall has chosen St John Ambulance as its charity of the year.

‘It’s fantastic that they are getting behind us to not only fundraise but to raise the profile of first aid training among its staff and customers through awareness days and planned demonstrations."

The first event will take place from April 22 to 25, with one of the charity’s ambulances on site. Volunteers will give in-store demonstrations on basic first aid, including how to deal with someone who is choking, bleeding or needs Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and give out free pocket-sized first aid guides. Another event will be held in August.

A spokesman for Boundary Mill Stores Walsall said: "We select one charity to support each year and are delighted to name St John Ambulance as our local partner.

"The charity teaches people vital first aid skills and has a dedicated team of volunteers, who offer their expertise and time to be the difference right in the heart of their community, at public events, as first responders or providing back-up to local ambulance services.

"We are proud to support such a worthy cause and look forward to raising money to fund more lifesavers.