A TEENAGER from Widnes is stepping up his efforts to raise money for community defibrillators.

Aidan Jackson, 16, has raised a total in excess of £22,000 during four years of fundraising, having originally planned on raising enough money to buy and install one defibrillator.

But since August, the Ditton native has secured the funds for four devices in coded cases, with each costing more than £1,600.

“The first one has been installed at Widnes Hall Care Home and looks brilliant,” said Aidan’s mother Caroline.

“It’s ready and registered for use in emergency situations.”

The defibrillator was officially opened on Tuesday by Lizzie Jones, the wife of rugby league player Danny Jones who sadly died through cardiac arrest in the middle of a game in 2015.

“The opening event went really well,” continued Caroline.

“The mayor and mayoress attended to help cut the ribbon as well as members from North West Ambulance Service.

“We’ve also had a bit of interest about the defibrillators since we held the ceremony with people asking general questions about where they can be installed.

“They are currently at home while we find them a place to go, but we’re just wasting vital time in getting them set up and ready to use.”

Aidan is also looking for places to install another three defibrillators, as due to reasons out of his control, the sites that had previously requested their installation were refused permission.

Despite being frustrated, this has not deterred Aidan in his efforts as he has planned a sponsored walk to step up his fundraising campaign.

This is planned for Saturday, April 20, and participants will walk a four-mile section of the Trans Pennine Trail.

“Aidan has walked the route before but struggles with long distances due to a problem with his legs,” said his mum.

Aidan has Asperger’s and also suffers from a condition which causes him to walk on his toes.

He has not let this condition define him though, as he swam 21 miles in 2015, raising £6,500 in the process.

“He really wanted to do the walk though to get members from the community involved and give something back.”

The walk is due to start at 9.30am and will have a St George’s Day theme.

It is open to both individuals and families who wish to participate and will begin at Pickering Pasture in Hale Bank, travelling to Spike Island and back.

Aidan is asking for a donation of £5 per adult and £1 per child which can be paid on the day, however all children must be accompanied and fully supervised by an adult.

To keep up with the St George’s Day Theme, participants are asked to dress in red and white, or as it will also be Easter Weekend, fancy dress is encouraged.

An adult raffle and a separate raffle for children will be held, with all walkers receiving a free ticket.

Additional raffle tickets can also be purchased at a cost of £1.