About us
Welcome to AEDdonate
We provide the complete service from supporting fundraising efforts and securing funding to install, register and maintain AEDs.
We’re a leading UK Defibrillator charity
AEDdonate is dedicated to increasing access to life saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and improving survival rates from cardiac arrest.
We are at the forefront of creating safer communities by ensuring defibrillators are available in the right place at the right time and always ready for rescue.
With ongoing support, we continue to drive change, ensuring that no one is ever too far from a lifesaving defibrillator when they need it most.
Raise Awareness
We start life-saving conversations in communities, schools and beyond.
Support Communities
Working together to bring defibrillators where they’re needed.
Funding support
Helping fund, install register and maintain defibs through donations.
Inspire Action
Encouraging people to get involved and make a difference.
Our vision is to equip every community with life-saving defibrillators and vital education – empowering people to act confidently in emergencies and improve survival rates.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone of any age at any time.
The first 3-5 minutes in a Cardiac Arrest situation can be life changing. Community intervention is paramount prior to the arrival of the ambulance service.
Our goal is to help your community be prepared.
Whatever you need, whether it’s a village, workplace, sports facility, school, or simply your local telephone box, AEDdonate is here to support every step. From planning and installation to training and ongoing care, we make sure there are no weak links in the chain of survival.
Dedicated to saving lives of people like Jack
Early
Access
Early
CPR
Early
Defibrillation
Early
Advanced Care
Why It Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Quick access to a defibrillator gives someone the best possible chance of survival – and with your help, we’re making that access possible.
Delivering a F.I.R.M approach
This approach ensures every defibrillator is fully supported from start to finish
Fund
We offer support to guide you through your fundraising journey
Install
We help ensure your defibrillator is installed in a visible, accessible and suitable location
Register
We can register your defibrillator on The Circuit (National Defibrillator Network) to ensure it can be quickly located in an emergency
Maintain
We offer support to help you maintain your defibrillator, ensuring it remains operational and ready to save lives.
Our Journey So Far…
Meet the AEDdonate team
AEDdonate Team
Our Trustees
Carol Smith
Volunteer Administrator & Trustee
View bio
Carol Smith
Volunteer Administrator & Trustee
Amy Bellamy
Charity Support Officer
View bio
Amy Bellamy
Charity Support Officer
Beverage of Choice: Pepsi Max
Amy is one of the friendly voices you’ll hear when you call AEDdonate, and she’s often the first person to welcome guests at the office. Her role is wonderfully varied, from answering calls and sending out defibrillator orders, to covering shifts in the retail shops, helping at charity events, and making sure visitors have a warm welcome. No two days are ever the same, and Amy loves the variety and sense of purpose that brings.
She first joined AEDdonate through the Kickstart scheme in November 2021 after finishing her university degree. Since then, the role has given her the chance to grow in confidence and take on new opportunities, all while making a difference to communities.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys ballroom and Latin dancing, which she describes as one of her biggest passions. She’s also known in the office for making a top-notch cup of tea, a talent very much appreciated by the team.
Charlie
Office Pooch
View bio
Charlie
Office Pooch
Beverage of Choice: Not fussy just bring snacks
Charlie is the heart and soul of the office, bringing calm energy, warm eyes, and a slow wag wherever he goes. He’s been part of the team for years and takes his job very seriously which mainly involves napping in sunbeams, being adored by visitors, and keeping spirits high.
He’s got a cosy grandad vibe think soft jumpers, corduroy trousers, and a tweed cap if he could wear one.
Charlie’s at his happiest surrounded by his humans, whether he’s stretched out on the office floor or curled up on a soft blanket at home. He doesn’t ask for much just a bit of love, a good snack, and someone to keep the postman away.
Likes The hosepipe, sitting in the sun, the snack cupboard and a cosy blanket
Dislikes The postman, going in the sea and vegetables
Martin Bates
Defibrillator Site Installer
View bio
Martin Bates
Defibrillator Site Installer
Julie Lawton
Installations Coordinator
View bio
Julie Lawton
Installations Coordinator
Beverage of Choice: Water
Julie wears two important hats at AEDdonate. As a Community Trainer, she teaches people how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator, showing that anyone can help save a life with no prior training. Her favourite part of the job is empowering people to have the confidence to step in and make a difference.
As Installations Coordinator, Julie organises defibrillator installations across the UK, making sure each one is fitted correctly and accessible. She also supports guardians, so the equipment stays ready to use in an emergency. Seeing communities and businesses receive their defibrillators is a highlight of her work.
Before joining AEDdonate, Julie worked in education. Her love of teaching, combined with the personal experience of losing both a parent and a close friend to sudden cardiac arrest, gives Julie a deep understanding and genuine empathy for the communities she supports.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her menagerie of animals, which includes horses, donkeys, goats, geese, a pig and a dog. A qualified holistic therapist, she loves essential oils, crystals, and teaching Reiki.
Likes family, animals, books, films, and plants
Dislikes overly complicated things, avoids spiders at all costs
Chamila Welengoda
Head of Finance
View bio
Chamila Welengoda
Head of Finance
Beverage of Choice: Tea, Milk, No Sugar.
Chamila Welengoda has been part of AEDdonate team for over 10 years and is the steady hand behind the numbers. As Head of Finance, he ensures everything adds up, while bringing plenty of humour and positivity to the team. Known as the office’s resident cheeky chappy, Chamila keeps things lively even when the spreadsheets get serious.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Sue and their son Noah. According to Jamie, he has the cleanest car but the messiest desk – a combination that somehow sums him up perfectly.
Likes: Family time, RC Cars and shortbread
Dislikes: Sand, numbers not adding up, and queues
Rachel Richards
Head of Operations
View bio
Rachel Richards
Head of Operations
Beverage of Choice: Flavoured sparkling water
Rachel is AEDdonate’s Head of Operations, the one who takes a big idea and works out how to make it happen. With a clear eye on the goal, she thrives on figuring out the how, the why, and the best route to get there.
Before joining the team, Rachel spent 17 years as a frontline paramedic in the ambulance service. Her experience responding to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and working with community responders shaped her deep belief in the power of preparedness. For Rachel, it’s not just about equipment, it’s about giving people the confidence to use it.
That passion hasn’t gone anywhere. Today, she continues to work closely with communities, offering guidance, reassurance, and the tools they need to feel empowered. Seeing a neighbourhood come together, take action, and believe in their own ability to save lives is what she calls a job well done.
Rachel is also mum to Fletcher and Seth and wife to Jamie, roles that keep her grounded, motivated, and constantly connected to the heart of AEDdonate’s mission.
Likes Charlie Boy (Family dog), gardening, animals and nature
Dislikes Making hot drinks, the food shop, filling the car with fuel
Jamie Richards
Chief Executive Officer
View bio
Jamie Richards
Chief Executive Officer
Beverage of Choice: Black Coffee, no sugar
Jamie is the founder of AEDdonate, a charity born from a simple but powerful idea: more lives can be saved if more people have access to defibrillators. This insight came during his time in the fire service where he witnessed just how critical and surprisingly easy to use these devices are.
Determined to make a difference, Jamie left the fire service to turn that idea into action. Since then, he has been the driving force behind AEDdonate’s mission to make communities safer and better prepared for sudden cardiac arrests.
Far from the typical stereotype of a CEO, Jamie is always on the move, whether visiting community sites, delivering training, volunteering in the charity shop, or building new partnerships. He leads by example and encourages the whole team to do the same.
Outside work, Jamie enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel and their two sons. Being a dad keeps him grounded and constantly reminds him why this mission matters so much.
Likes Good coffee, a nice view, BBC Radio 2, and a day trip to the beach.
Dislikes Glitter, cotton wool, and people not registering their defibs.
Carol Smith
Volunteer Administrator & Trustee
View bio
Carol Smith
Volunteer Administrator & Trustee
Amy Bellamy
Charity Support Officer
View bio
Amy Bellamy
Charity Support Officer
Beverage of Choice: Pepsi Max
Amy is one of the friendly voices you’ll hear when you call AEDdonate, and she’s often the first person to welcome guests at the office. Her role is wonderfully varied, from answering calls and sending out defibrillator orders, to covering shifts in the retail shops, helping at charity events, and making sure visitors have a warm welcome. No two days are ever the same, and Amy loves the variety and sense of purpose that brings.
She first joined AEDdonate through the Kickstart scheme in November 2021 after finishing her university degree. Since then, the role has given her the chance to grow in confidence and take on new opportunities, all while making a difference to communities.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys ballroom and Latin dancing, which she describes as one of her biggest passions. She’s also known in the office for making a top-notch cup of tea, a talent very much appreciated by the team.
Charlie
Office Pooch
View bio
Charlie
Office Pooch
Beverage of Choice: Not fussy just bring snacks
Charlie is the heart and soul of the office, bringing calm energy, warm eyes, and a slow wag wherever he goes. He’s been part of the team for years and takes his job very seriously which mainly involves napping in sunbeams, being adored by visitors, and keeping spirits high.
He’s got a cosy grandad vibe think soft jumpers, corduroy trousers, and a tweed cap if he could wear one.
Charlie’s at his happiest surrounded by his humans, whether he’s stretched out on the office floor or curled up on a soft blanket at home. He doesn’t ask for much just a bit of love, a good snack, and someone to keep the postman away.
Likes The hosepipe, sitting in the sun, the snack cupboard and a cosy blanket
Dislikes The postman, going in the sea and vegetables
Martin Bates
Defibrillator Site Installer
View bio
Martin Bates
Defibrillator Site Installer
Julie Lawton
Installations Coordinator
View bio
Julie Lawton
Installations Coordinator
Beverage of Choice: Water
Julie wears two important hats at AEDdonate. As a Community Trainer, she teaches people how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator, showing that anyone can help save a life with no prior training. Her favourite part of the job is empowering people to have the confidence to step in and make a difference.
As Installations Coordinator, Julie organises defibrillator installations across the UK, making sure each one is fitted correctly and accessible. She also supports guardians, so the equipment stays ready to use in an emergency. Seeing communities and businesses receive their defibrillators is a highlight of her work.
Before joining AEDdonate, Julie worked in education. Her love of teaching, combined with the personal experience of losing both a parent and a close friend to sudden cardiac arrest, gives Julie a deep understanding and genuine empathy for the communities she supports.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her menagerie of animals, which includes horses, donkeys, goats, geese, a pig and a dog. A qualified holistic therapist, she loves essential oils, crystals, and teaching Reiki.
Likes family, animals, books, films, and plants
Dislikes overly complicated things, avoids spiders at all costs
Chamila Welengoda
Head of Finance
View bio
Chamila Welengoda
Head of Finance
Beverage of Choice: Tea, Milk, No Sugar.
Chamila Welengoda has been part of AEDdonate team for over 10 years and is the steady hand behind the numbers. As Head of Finance, he ensures everything adds up, while bringing plenty of humour and positivity to the team. Known as the office’s resident cheeky chappy, Chamila keeps things lively even when the spreadsheets get serious.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Sue and their son Noah. According to Jamie, he has the cleanest car but the messiest desk – a combination that somehow sums him up perfectly.
Likes: Family time, RC Cars and shortbread
Dislikes: Sand, numbers not adding up, and queues
Rachel Richards
Head of Operations
View bio
Rachel Richards
Head of Operations
Beverage of Choice: Flavoured sparkling water
Rachel is AEDdonate’s Head of Operations, the one who takes a big idea and works out how to make it happen. With a clear eye on the goal, she thrives on figuring out the how, the why, and the best route to get there.
Before joining the team, Rachel spent 17 years as a frontline paramedic in the ambulance service. Her experience responding to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and working with community responders shaped her deep belief in the power of preparedness. For Rachel, it’s not just about equipment, it’s about giving people the confidence to use it.
That passion hasn’t gone anywhere. Today, she continues to work closely with communities, offering guidance, reassurance, and the tools they need to feel empowered. Seeing a neighbourhood come together, take action, and believe in their own ability to save lives is what she calls a job well done.
Rachel is also mum to Fletcher and Seth and wife to Jamie, roles that keep her grounded, motivated, and constantly connected to the heart of AEDdonate’s mission.
Likes Charlie Boy (Family dog), gardening, animals and nature
Dislikes Making hot drinks, the food shop, filling the car with fuel
Jamie Richards
Chief Executive Officer
View bio
Jamie Richards
Chief Executive Officer
Beverage of Choice: Black Coffee, no sugar
Jamie is the founder of AEDdonate, a charity born from a simple but powerful idea: more lives can be saved if more people have access to defibrillators. This insight came during his time in the fire service where he witnessed just how critical and surprisingly easy to use these devices are.
Determined to make a difference, Jamie left the fire service to turn that idea into action. Since then, he has been the driving force behind AEDdonate’s mission to make communities safer and better prepared for sudden cardiac arrests.
Far from the typical stereotype of a CEO, Jamie is always on the move, whether visiting community sites, delivering training, volunteering in the charity shop, or building new partnerships. He leads by example and encourages the whole team to do the same.
Outside work, Jamie enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel and their two sons. Being a dad keeps him grounded and constantly reminds him why this mission matters so much.
Likes Good coffee, a nice view, BBC Radio 2, and a day trip to the beach.
Dislikes Glitter, cotton wool, and people not registering their defibs.
Carol Smith
Volunteer Administrator & Trustee
View bio
Carol Smith
Volunteer Administrator & Trustee
Colin Hurley
Trustee
View bio
Colin Hurley
Trustee
Colin is semi-retired after more than 40 years in the healthcare industry, with experience spanning stomacare, wound care, and orthotics. He has also served nearly a decade as Chair of the Prosthetic and Orthotic section of the British Healthcare Trade Association, where he remains actively involved.
Beyond his charitable work, Colin volunteers with the Sea Cadet Corps as a rowing instructor and first aider. He enjoys family time with his wife Tracy, especially over long lunches and holidays. His passions include travel, good food, new experiences, and supporting the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club.
Colin is driven by the belief that every community should have access to defibrillators – because lives depend on it.
Dr Jon Bingham
Trustee - Clinical Lead
View bio
Dr Jon Bingham
Trustee - Clinical Lead
Beverage of Choice: Strong, freshly ground coffee
Jon is a consultant anaesthetist with a speciality in major trauma and resuscitation. He also works as an air ambulance consultant, where he has seen first-hand just how critical early intervention and access to defibrillators can be.
Bringing this frontline experience to AEDdonate, Jon helps guide the charity’s mission to make defibrillators more widely available, accessible, and registered in communities everywhere. He lends clinical insight to the charity’s work so that AEDdonate can also work alongside clinicians who treat those our defibrillators help.
Outside work, Jon enjoys running, camping, and exploring the Peak District with his family.
Likes: Adrenaline, family adventures, and a perfectly timed, newly discovered parkrun.
Dislikes: Instant coffee (Yikes – thats what we give him in the office) and velvet.
Josie Morris MBE DL
Trustee
View bio
Josie Morris MBE DL
Trustee
Born in the area, Josie is deeply committed to her community and is proud to support local causes as a trustee, including AEDdonate, where she helps champion the charity’s lifesaving mission of increasing public access to defibrillators.
Beyond her charitable work, Josie is involved in a number of national and international engagement groups. She is a member of the ICC MSME Champion Group, sits on the WTO Business Advisory Group, and serves as a DBT Export Champion, representing the voice of small and medium-sized businesses on a global stage.
As CEO of Woolcool, Josie leads a UK-based manufacturing company recognised as a pioneer in sustainable insulated packaging, using sheep wool as an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene. The company has also diversified into the horticulture sector. Woolcool is a two-time Queen’s Award winner and became B Corp certified in 2020, underlining its commitment to balancing people, planet, and profit.
Passionate about creativity, diversity, and building strong business cultures, Josie has been widely recognised for her leadership. She received an MBE in 2021 for services to manufacturing and the environment and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire in 2023.
A lifelong sportswoman and keen Stoke City fan, Josie brings the same passion and energy to her charitable, business, and community work as she does to sport.
Phil Walker
Chair of Trustees
View bio
Phil Walker
Chair of Trustees
Phil brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the mission of AEDdonate, having served as a dedicated trustee for the organisation for the past 18 months. His deep commitment to increasing the availability of AEDs in communities, combined with his strong leadership skills, make him a valuable addition to the Trustee Board. In his new role, Phil will lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction for AEDdonate and ensuring the organisation’s continued growth and impact in communities across the UK. His vision for the future is focussed around expanding the reach of AEDdonate’s AED placement programs, increasing public awareness of the importance of AEDs, and furthering the organisation’s mission to save lives. Phil said, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of Trustees at AEDdonate, I am committed to working alongside our dedicated team of trustees and staff and volunteers to make AEDs more accessible and to save further lives in our communities. Together, we will continue to make a significant impact in the realm of public safety.”
Carol Smith
Volunteer Administrator & Trustee
View bio
Carol Smith
Volunteer Administrator & Trustee
Colin Hurley
Trustee
View bio
Colin Hurley
Trustee
Colin is semi-retired after more than 40 years in the healthcare industry, with experience spanning stomacare, wound care, and orthotics. He has also served nearly a decade as Chair of the Prosthetic and Orthotic section of the British Healthcare Trade Association, where he remains actively involved.
Beyond his charitable work, Colin volunteers with the Sea Cadet Corps as a rowing instructor and first aider. He enjoys family time with his wife Tracy, especially over long lunches and holidays. His passions include travel, good food, new experiences, and supporting the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club.
Colin is driven by the belief that every community should have access to defibrillators – because lives depend on it.
Dr Jon Bingham
Trustee - Clinical Lead
View bio
Dr Jon Bingham
Trustee - Clinical Lead
Beverage of Choice: Strong, freshly ground coffee
Jon is a consultant anaesthetist with a speciality in major trauma and resuscitation. He also works as an air ambulance consultant, where he has seen first-hand just how critical early intervention and access to defibrillators can be.
Bringing this frontline experience to AEDdonate, Jon helps guide the charity’s mission to make defibrillators more widely available, accessible, and registered in communities everywhere. He lends clinical insight to the charity’s work so that AEDdonate can also work alongside clinicians who treat those our defibrillators help.
Outside work, Jon enjoys running, camping, and exploring the Peak District with his family.
Likes: Adrenaline, family adventures, and a perfectly timed, newly discovered parkrun.
Dislikes: Instant coffee (Yikes – thats what we give him in the office) and velvet.
Josie Morris MBE DL
Trustee
View bio
Josie Morris MBE DL
Trustee
Born in the area, Josie is deeply committed to her community and is proud to support local causes as a trustee, including AEDdonate, where she helps champion the charity’s lifesaving mission of increasing public access to defibrillators.
Beyond her charitable work, Josie is involved in a number of national and international engagement groups. She is a member of the ICC MSME Champion Group, sits on the WTO Business Advisory Group, and serves as a DBT Export Champion, representing the voice of small and medium-sized businesses on a global stage.
As CEO of Woolcool, Josie leads a UK-based manufacturing company recognised as a pioneer in sustainable insulated packaging, using sheep wool as an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene. The company has also diversified into the horticulture sector. Woolcool is a two-time Queen’s Award winner and became B Corp certified in 2020, underlining its commitment to balancing people, planet, and profit.
Passionate about creativity, diversity, and building strong business cultures, Josie has been widely recognised for her leadership. She received an MBE in 2021 for services to manufacturing and the environment and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire in 2023.
A lifelong sportswoman and keen Stoke City fan, Josie brings the same passion and energy to her charitable, business, and community work as she does to sport.
Phil Walker
Chair of Trustees
View bio
Phil Walker
Chair of Trustees
Phil brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the mission of AEDdonate, having served as a dedicated trustee for the organisation for the past 18 months. His deep commitment to increasing the availability of AEDs in communities, combined with his strong leadership skills, make him a valuable addition to the Trustee Board. In his new role, Phil will lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction for AEDdonate and ensuring the organisation’s continued growth and impact in communities across the UK. His vision for the future is focussed around expanding the reach of AEDdonate’s AED placement programs, increasing public awareness of the importance of AEDs, and furthering the organisation’s mission to save lives. Phil said, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of Trustees at AEDdonate, I am committed to working alongside our dedicated team of trustees and staff and volunteers to make AEDs more accessible and to save further lives in our communities. Together, we will continue to make a significant impact in the realm of public safety.”