As part of ongoing work to bring vital defibrillators into the Edgbaston area, Calthorpe Estates has welcomed the generous donation of two lifesaving devices by local businesses and community groups.
In a poignant gesture, the Arrowsmith family from Aldridge (and owners of the respected contracting firm Buildlec) has donated a defibrillator to the Calthorpe Estate in memory of their late father.
After the unexpected passing of their father, Derek Arrowsmith in April 2022 at the age of 59, the family decided to leave a positive legacy in the form of a defibrillator to the wider Edgbaston community, in the hopes it would help other families in the future.
The family fundraised money to purchase the defibrillator with help from people who knew their father and worked alongside him. Calthorpe Estates is particularly close to the family’s hearts, with their father working at several locations on the Estate as a maintenance operative / painter for 25 years.
Carrying on the family legacy, Derek’s sons have worked at several locations on the Estate as electricians – and now his grandsons aged 18 and 16 will continue to carry on the electrical works.
Discussing their decision to donate defibrillators to the Edgbaston community, the Arrowsmith family said: “We wanted to create a positive legacy for our father despite the tragic circumstances of his passing. He would have wanted something positive to come of such a negative experience, especially because he was always helping others and had such a kind nature.
“We will continue to maintain the defibrillator and ensure it is ready to be used if needed in an emergency. We will also be looking to donate more defibrillators to the surrounding areas, including Greenfield Crescent.” As well as the defibrillator donated by the Arrowsmith family, Calthorpe has put donations towards a second device to be placed at St George’s Church. The congregation, Calthorpe Estates, and local businesses including Peach Pubs and Simpsons, came together to fund the purchasing of this defibrillator which will be accessible to the local community.
Richard Suart, Property Director at Calthorpe Estates, commented: “It’s wonderful to see our Calthorpe community come together for the good of the wider estate and those who frequent Edgbaston.
“We’ve worked closely with the Arrowsmith family as a respected contractor, Buildlec, for many years. The fact they’re turning a sad moment into a positive legacy is so heartening to see, and we’re proud to support them in honouring Derek’s legacy.”