Advent Communications PR has helped to kick-start a local appeal to introduce more defibrillators into Coventry.

Advent has given its support to the Derek Higgs Start a Heart Appeal, which aims to introduce 50 defibrillators across Coventry in memory of prominent businessman and former Coventry City FC director, Sir Derek Higgs, who died of a heart attack last year.

The Coventry-based company has been heavily involved in the campaign, including work on the overall campaign plan, copywriting and design and print work for campaign material, including an information leaflet and poster.

More than £100,000 worth of PR value coverage was made in the first two weeks of the appeal, along with radio interviews on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire and coverage on external websites.

Peter Knatchbull-Hugessen, organiser of the Derek Higgs Start a Heart Appeal, said: “Advent Communications is one of the leading PR companies in Coventry, and we are very lucky to have them working on the Start a Heart Appeal.

“We are trying to install a groundbreaking level of defibrillators across the city and the only way we are going to achieve that is through a large publicity campaign.

“We are very fortunate to have received continued close attention and support from one member of staff, who has been involved with the appeal from the very beginning.”

Ten defibrillators have been purchased so far and £26,000 has been raised to fund further defibrillators to be placed across the city.

Katie Pearce, of Advent Communications, has worked on the campaign and is confident the appeal can reach its target.

She said: “In just two weeks we’ve achieved a fantastic amount of coverage which has led to a great response from businesses in the area wanting to support the appeal.

“We’re just pleased that we’ve had the opportunity to work on a project that could make a real difference and potentially save the life of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest in the city.”