Gerry Le Roy, who enjoyed a long career as a cardiac specialist nurse, founded the charity Cardiac Action Group in 1996.
Her tireless work has led Guernsey to have 164 public access defibrillators across the island, which in the three years between 2022-24 alone, saved the lives of 23 people.
She said the award had come as a complete surprise, and wanted to thank everyone who had worked to make the charity such a success.
‘I’m very pleased to receive it,’ she said.
‘I feel that the whole community should be involved in the award, and I want to thank them all for being so supportive, especially the charity’s committee, four of whom are cardiac arrest survivors. And each defibrillator has been paid for by members of the community, be it an individual, a company, charity, or sports club – they are the ones who have all made it possible.’
As well as starting Cardiac Action Group, Mrs Le Roy launched Healthy Heart Days in 2004, highlighting the dangers of an unhealthy diet.
Then in 2013 she joined forces with Guernsey’s chief ambulance officer to launch Guernsey’s first public access defibrillator programme, with the first machine unveiled at Footes Lane by former footballer Fabrice Muamba, survivor of cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match.
She also championed the need for a community resuscitation development officer and raised the funds to establish and secure the role.
Since the first defibrillator was installed, Mrs Le Roy has helped recruit and train 270 volunteer ‘guardians’ to maintain them and report biweekly, using a specially developed app. She looks after one herself, at Richmond at Vazon.
‘The guardians really need thanking too,’ she said.
‘Each defibrillator has got at least two volunteer guardians, who clean it and make sure it’s operational every two weeks, and weekly on the coastal ones. So without them, we wouldn’t have this amazing system that saves lives.’
Despite being involved with the charity for almost 30 years, Mrs Le Roy said she had no plans to stop in the near future.
‘We have two or three defibrillators waiting to be installed now,’ she said.
‘There is work to do to make sure they are in the right position, can be looked after and that people have access. We still need volunteers to help run the charity, and one day to take my place.’
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