A lifesaver for our streets: New defibrillator installed in Culverland Road

Residents of Culverland Road can now access a community defibrillator, after Exeter Homes Trust received funding from Devon County Council to install the lifesaving device at its property on the Exeter street.

The installation of the defibrillator came after a request from Michaela Bennett, daughter of resident, Michael Bennett who died at the site in 2025, and who wanted to provide a legacy for her father and hope to others should the unthinkable occur.

Following the request, Exeter Homes Trust General Manager, Ethan Watts, approached the County Councillor for St Sidwells and St James, Cllr Thomas Richardson, for grant funding from the locality budget scheme towards the cost of the defibrillator and a storage unit for the device.

Mr Watts said: “We would like to thank Councillor Richardson and Devon County Council for helping to secure the funding for this lifesaving community asset which will be available to all in the local area and the wider community of Exeter.”

Speaking at the official launch of the defibrillator on Friday, 24th July, attended by member of Exeter Homes Trust staff and trustees, Councillor Richardson and residents of Culverland Road, and Mr Bennett’s daughter, Michaela Bennett said:

“I would like to thank Exeter Homes Trust, the local councillor, my family and everyone who has supported this project and attended today.

Losing my dad, Mike Bennett, to a cardiac arrest in 2025, was one of the most difficult experiences my family and I have ever faced. Nothing can replace him, and he is deeply missed.

Today, seeing this AED in place is an incredibly proud and emotional moment for me. While we all hope it is never used, we know that having access to life-saving equipment can make all the difference in an emergency. If this defibrillator helps save even one life in the future, it will represent something truly special”