THOSE Star Wars stormtroopers sure get around in the Forest and Wye and Valley.

They were spotted at one of three awareness sessions in Mitcheldean, organised by the Community Heartbeat Trust, which aims to demonstrate the use of defibrillators paid for by fundraising efforts last year.

Mitcheldean Heartbeat raised enough money to buy three public access defibrillators which have since been installed in three places around the village.

The session provided first aid advice, demonstrated the use of defibrillators and explained how the equipment works and its benefits to the community in the event somebody suffers cardiac arrest.

Carol Loade, of Mitcheldean Heartbeat, said: “The more people that know how to use the portable defibrillators installed in the community, the more chance there is of saving the life of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.

“Helen Day who attended the event commented that it was ‘a really fun and informative session for children and adults. All the family now feel happy to use the new defibrillators in an emergency’.

“We wanted someone to promote the launch of the defibrillators and thought that stormtroopers appealed to a wide variety of ages. The Gloucestershire Troopers do an excellent job raising funds for local charities and were kind enough to agree to support us. They brought smiles to people throughout the village as they visited each of the sites where the defibrillators are.”

Mitcheldean Heartbeat hosted several fundraisers throughout last year.

Carol added: “Thanks to all of the organisations and individuals who have helped to make this possible. Donations have continued and it is hoped that additional units can be purchased in the future.”

The next event is on Wednesday, June 8 at the Conference Centre, Vantage Point, Mitcheldean at 9.30am. An evening session will take place at Mitcheldean Library at a date to be confirmed. To book a place e-mail: contact@

mitcheldeanheartbeat.co.uk or call 01594 544233.