A donation from Councillor Chris Jarman will help fund vital defibrillator training for volunteers in Totland and Freshwater, continuing a family legacy of support for life-saving services on the Isle of Wight.
Councillor Jarman has confirmed that the contribution, made from his Councillor allowance, has been given to the Isle of Wight branch of St John’s Ambulance.
The funding will enable the organisation to deliver defibrillator training sessions in Totland and Freshwater over the coming year, helping equip more local volunteers with essential emergency response skills.
The donation has been made in memory of Councillor Jarman’s late father, Cyril Jarman, who had a long and distinguished career in emergency medical services.
Councillor Chris Jarman has said:
“Last week I continued the legacy of support for the St John Ambulance started by my late father Cyril Jarman by presenting a donation to their Isle of Wight Branch.
“My Dad was with the Royal Army Medical Corp during his national service and then an ambulance officer all his life.”
He explained that his father played a key role in the development of paramedic services, including running training schools in Gloucestershire and later in Wales.
Cyril Jarman passed away in 2023. His funeral was marked by a cortege involving St John’s Ambulance and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, alongside a flag party at the Isle of Wight Crematorium.
Councillor Jarman added that while defibrillator equipment has evolved significantly over time, the core principles of life-saving care remain unchanged.
Since 2021 defibrillators are in more demand than ever.
Great cause.
It’s St John Ambulance, not “St John’s Ambulance”