Real-Life Heroes Visit Ashcombe for Superhero Day
By Josh Bell, Charities and Schools Correspondent
Ashcombe School’s Superhero Day on Friday 13th February had some very special guests — and they didn’t need capes to impress.
The Donate for Defib team attended alongside other emergency services to teach pupils vital life-saving skills in two engaging sessions.
Project Lead Josh introduced Donate for Defib and explained how the charity works to increase access to defibrillators in the community.
He also demonstrated how a defibrillator works, answering plenty of thoughtful questions from the children.
For Josh, the visit was particularly meaningful — he previously attended Ashcombe as a pupil himself, making the day a special return to his old school.
Kate from GWAAC led the Junior Hearts sessions, which included a short video, group discussion and a practical CPR workshop.
Pupils were able to practise chest compressions using pillows fitted with specially designed pillowcases showing DRABC — Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation — and the position of the heart.
With support from project volunteers, the GWAAC team, paramedics and teachers, the children threw themselves into the activity. Both sessions were highly interactive, with lots of questions and enthusiastic participation throughout.
At the end of the sessions, every child received a certificate from GWAAC to recognise their new skills. They were also given two maps showing the locations of 24-hour accessible defibrillators near the school and in the town centre — helping to spread awareness beyond the classroom.
To round off the day, pupils were delighted by a surprise visit from Charlie the Critical Care Bear, who stopped by to say hello and pose for photos.
The sessions were supported by the Donate for Defib team — Josh, Christina and University of Bristol medical students Katrina, Sophie and Lucy — alongside paramedics Shas, Tony and Erin, and the GWAAC team including Kate, Public Engagement Coordinator, and Caroline, Defib Officer.
Superhero Day may have been about costumes — but pupils also went home with something far more powerful: the confidence to help in an emergency.
