Hull New Theatre is the latest venue in the City to benefit from the donation of life saving equipment in memory of a father of four who tragically died.
A defibrillator has been installed at the theatre’s stage door following the death of Bransholme dad Gary Mackinder, 53, who suffered a cardiac arrest in the North Point shopping centre earlier this year.
His sister Joanne Braimbridge has been fundraising via Go Fund Me for more defibrillators for Hull’s public places since her brother passed away on June 17 and has now gathered donations of more than £5,000.
The family have now raised enough to buy five defibrillators, which have been donated to New Walton Club, Northpoint Shopping Centre, The Greenway Academy – where all Gary’s children attended and his youngest son is still a pupil, Skirlaugh – Under 8s rugby team and now at Hull New Theatre – in partnership with The Oliver King Foundation.
Joanne said: “Losing Gary my only brother was tragic, but I wanted something positive to come from his death, and set up the fund raiser hoping to raise funds to buy 1 defibrillator.
“We raised five thousand really quickly, which meant I could provide the Hull community with these life-saving pieces of equipment.
“Gary would love to think he’s prevented other families having a heartache like ours. The funding scheme Gary’s Right has also come from this as I am working with Councillor Jan Loft and Hull City Council, who are to provide funds to place more in our City. A lasting legacy to Gary.”
A plaque commemorating the donation has also been set in place and states: ‘The Oliver King Foundation is working in partnership with Gary’s family who have donated a defibrillator to Hull New Theatre in loving memory of Gary Mackinder.’
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure’s Board said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation and honoured to have this defibrillator at Hull New Theatre, which we regard as a valued asset that may help to save lives.”
Councillor Rosemary Pantelakis, Hull City Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure said “Hull New Theatre is a key prestigious venue in the City enjoyed by thousands of people a year so we are pleased to have been able to accept this life saving device and a legacy to honour the life of Gary with the commemorative plaque”
Hull New Theatre invited Joanne and guests to a VIP evening at the official opening of this year’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as a gesture of gratitude for their donation.