Life-saving defibrillator unveiled at Dundry View in memory of Sam Polledri

A publicly accessible defibrillator has been unveiled at Dundry View in Hengrove, South Bristol, giving residents and visitors access to potentially life-saving equipment.

The automated external defibrillator (AED) was supplied by the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), working with the Sam Polledri Foundation, and installed at Dundry View, the newly completed 53-home affordable housing development brought forward by Goram Homes for Bristol City Council.

The unveiling was attended by community members, local councillors, and representatives from Goram Homes and GWAAC, alongside Louise Polledri, whose son Sam died suddenly from a cardiac arrest in Bristol’s Millennium Square four years ago, aged just 24.

Following Sam’s death, his family established the Sam Polledri Foundation in partnership with GWAAC, with the aim of ensuring that anyone who suffers an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has someone nearby who knows how to perform CPR and access to an AED within a three-minute walk. There were five defibrillators nearby when Sam collapsed, but all were behind locked doors.

Since 2022, the Sam Polledri Foundation has helped fund and install more than 90 public access AEDs, including the wall-mounted device at Dundry View.

A defibrillator can be used to deliver an electrical shock to someone experiencing a cardiac arrest, helping to restore a normal heart rhythm. According to the Sam Polledri Foundation, if a defibrillator is used within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest, survival rates increase from 6% to 74%.

Dundry View’s AED was funded by the Whitchurch and Hengrove Community Group, with support from local councillors to secure funding through the development’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Louise Polledri of the Sam Polledri Foundation, said:

“Losing Sam at just 24 was devastating. What makes it even harder is knowing that there were defibrillators close to where he collapsed, but they weren’t accessible to the public.

“We’re so pleased to see one here at Dundry View. We hope it is never needed, but if somebody does suffer a cardiac arrest, having a defibrillator nearby and available could give someone the chance that Sam didn’t have.”

Caroline Kivungi, Defib Officer, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, said:

“When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are critical. Having a publicly accessible defibrillator nearby means that members of the community can use an AED while emergency services are on their way.

“We’re delighted to see this defibrillator installed at Dundry View and hope it will give local people confidence that potentially life-saving equipment is available if they need it.”

Andrew Brown, Ward Councillor for Hengrove and Whitchurch Park, said:

“Having a publicly accessible defibrillator at Dundry View is an important addition to the local community and one that could save a life. I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with securing an AED for Dundry View, particularly the Whitchurch and Hengrove Community Group. I would also like to acknowledge the vital work and dedication of the Sam Polledri Foundation and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.”

Jo Salter, Chair of Whitchurch & Hengrove Community Group, said:  

“This new defibrillator represents a vital investment in the health and safety of our residents. It stands as a testament to our shared dedication to keeping our community safe, prepared, and looked after.”

Elaine Olphert, Technical Director at Goram Homes, said:

“Sam’s story makes the importance of accessible defibrillators very real, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting and continuing his legacy. We are committed at Goram Homes to ensuring that all our future developments feature a publicly accessible defibrillator as part of our efforts in supporting safer, healthier neighbourhoods.”

About Dundry View

Dundry View is Goram Homes’ first completed residential development and is providing 100% affordable housing for Bristol.

Delivered by Goram Homes in partnership with Bristol City Council’s Housing Delivery Team, and built by main contractor The Hill Group, the new six-storey development provides 53 high-quality, secure and affordable homes for families in South Bristol.

27 of the new apartments are council homes for social rent, the lowest-cost form of affordable housing, and will be allocated to families through the council’s HomeChoice register. The remaining 26 apartments are for Shared Ownership, providing a route to affordable home ownership where residents can progressively buy larger shares of their home.

Dundry View is located at the gateway to the future Hengrove Park masterplan development, next to Hengrove Leisure Centre, South Bristol Community Hospital and City of Bristol College. Five ground-floor commercial units will provide space for future shops, cafés, businesses and community uses.

• Find out more about the Sam Polledri Foundation and how you can support Sam’s legacy.

 

Lead Photo (Left to right): Stephen Baker, Managing Director at Goram Homes; Caroline Kivungi, Defib Officer, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity; Andrew Brown, Ward Councillor for Hengrove and Whitchurch Park; Elaine Olphert, Technical Director at Goram Homes; Tim Kent, Ward Councillor for Hengrove and Whitchurch Park; Jo Salter, Chair of Whitchurch & Hengrove Community Group; Shaun Leacy, Senior Site Manager at The Hill Group; Joe Hughes, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity; and Louise Polledri of the Sam Polledri Foundation.