A NIGHT of carols in aid of a young fundraiser's ongoing campaign to install life-saving defibrillators in his home town has raised £1388.

Organised by Aidan Jackson the event, now in is fourth year, took place last Saturday.

Held in the garden of his home it featured entertainment from D'ukes of Halton ukulele band, samba band Samba Mundo, Warrington Sign Language Choir and also Game stream 2 U (mobile x box van).

Aidan also served hot chocolate, mulled wine, Hot Dogs and mince pies. There was also a raffle and tombola.

All money raised on the night will go towards Aidan's Community Defibrillators campaign. In just over 15 months he has raised enough funds to install 11.

His proud mum Caroline said today: "This event organised by Aidan is to give something back to the community for all their support with his fundraising.

"He just asks visitors to pop a donation in the collection tub which will go towards Community Defibrillator number 12."

"If any local businesses would like more information about becoming a site for a community defibrillator or making a donation please get in touch - caz1971@hotmail.com"

Mayor of Halton, Cllr Margaret Horabin also attended the event. Father Christmas attended and handed out gifts to the younger visitors. Aidan had purchased gifts with his own money and more items were donated, this ensured all the younger visitors each received a gift.

Caroline continued: "Feedback has been extremely positive and Aidan is already looking at a date of December 19, 2020 for next year's Christmas fundraiser.

"If there are any choirs, bands, groups or businesses that would like to help with next years event, please get in touch - caz1971@hotmail.com.

"Huge thanks to Maggie Fowler for providing chair & table covers for the event.

"The event raised a massive £1388 this included donations from The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund, Steve Jackson painting & decorating services, St John’s Church Widnes, Paul McCann & Liverpool probation office."

Fundraising didn't stop there for Aidan as it was an early start on Sunday morning for a bag pack at Morrison's Widnes.

Aidan was joined by mum Caroline, Kaileigh, Theron, Chloe, Courtney and Kerry at Morrison’s Widnes.

Caroline said "It was an extremely busy four hours of bag packing, which raised a further £559 towards Aidan’s Community Defibrillators.

"Huge thanks to Morrison's Widnes for organising this and all the customers for their generous donations.

"It was lovely chatting to people during the bag packing and the overall feedback showed that Aidan's Community Defibrillators are very much needed in our community.

"Community Defibrillator number 12 has now been ordered and fundraising continues for number 13, if anybody would like to donate or requires more information please get in touch - caz1971@hotmail.com"

Community defibrillators numbers 10, 11 & 12 will be delivered in the New Year and John Thompson from Brighter Design Electrical Services has agreed to install these for Aidan once sites have been confirmed.

Aidan told Runcorn & Widnes World recently: "It is important to continue raising funds for these life saving pieces of equipment. The more of these that are available in our community the better.

"I have been asked the question many times - How important are Community Defibrillators?

"They are extremely important as anyone can use them.

"By performing CPR and using a defibrillator, you'll give someone the best possible chance of survival, but there isn't always a defibrillator close enough to help save the life of someone having a cardiac arrest.

"I hope that my fundraising means that lives will be saved."

He started fundraising after close friend Olivia Walker passed away in 2014.

Her family set up a foundation in her memory The Olivia Alice Foundation.

His many challenges in that time include a Mile of pennies, sponsored walk, swimming the distance of the English Channel Crossing in a pool, raffles, car boot sales and craft stalls.

He also collected sleeping bags, coats, warm clothing and toiletries for the homeless in Liverpool and then distributed them of an evening over a couple of weeks.

Last year hear won national acclaim from the Prime Minister, receiving a Points of Light award which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

On his charitable work, he said: "I don't always find my fundraising easy as due to my age and Aspergers, ADHD along with problems with my legs.

"I don't let this deter me and have been in situations that many of my peers haven’t had the opportunity of."