A WOMAN is hoping to "plug the gaps" across the borough, as she seeks to get a potentially life-saving defibrillator installed in as many locations as possible.

Claire Axon-Hughes is hoping to purchase a defibrillator and external box to house it in a location around the top of Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever.

Claire's husband, Neil, died on Christmas Day 2012 aged just 39 and Claire has been on a crusade to get as many defibrillators installed in the borough ever since.

Her work has seen several defibrillators placed around Little Lever - at St Matthews Church House, Queen's Hotel in Bradley Fold and St Matthews School.

Using a defibrillator on someone who is in cardiac arrest can mean the difference to them living or dying.

It is believed that Mr Axon had familial hypercholesterolaemia, which can cause high blood cholesterol, and could have led to him developing a coronary thrombosis.

Claire is determined to ensure that the heartbreak suffered by her and her five sons can be stopped for other families - but has stressed that "she isn't in it for the glory."

She said: "I just see gaps of where there aren't any and I saw one in this area. I have got to the point where I want to keep going, raising as much money to get as many installed as possible. I haven't got to the point where I am fulfilled yet so I am carrying on."

Claire's fundraiser has recently passed £1,000 of a £1,500 target and has received donations from many local groups and businesses.

She has also received countless donations from family and friends.

She added: "If I had a defibrillator, would someone have been able to save him? It's a question I will never be able to answer. I just want as many as possible around so people know where to go to get one and don't feel useless in situations where they are needed.

"I am not doing it for the glory - this is about making a difference. I don't want to end it at this defibrillator - I plan to carry on."

To donate to the fundraiser, search for 'Community Defibrillator and External Box' on gofundme.com.

You can also donate by clicking here.