A new community defibrillator has been installed on the outside wall of Cotgrave Church of England Primary School.
The new unit, which can be accessed from Plumtree Road, was unveiled by Mrs Mel Cottee, a Senior Teaching Assistant who after 25 years of service is retiring from the school.
Mr Craig Moxham is Headteacher at Cotgrave C of E Primary School and he explained, “Knowing that all schools will be having a defibrillator on site and that the one we would be provided with would only be accessible during school hours and school terms, we decided to fundraise for a community-use defibrillator accessible 24/7 and 365 days each year.
“We were so well supported by Cotgrave Town Councillors, Rushcliffe Borough Councillors and our local Nottinghamshire County Councillor that with just a few extra personal donations the whole cost has been met. We want everyone locally to have access this crucial life-saving equipment.”
The defibrillator can now be found at the old entrance to the school, on Plumtree Road at postcode NG12 3HS.
Unveiling the new defibrillator with children was beloved Senior Teaching Assistant, Mrs Mel Cottee, who is retiring after serving 25 years at the school. A plaque to commemorate her service was also placed on the mounting board of the defibrillator and reflects her service to the Cotgrave community.
Speaking about her time at the school, Mrs Cottee said her favourite memories included a trip to Skegness, learning to use Zoom with keyworker children during the pandemic, being nominated for Teaching Assistant of the Year and receiving a Diocesan Board of Education ‘Good Samaritan Award’ in 2021. She said, “Where have the last 25 years gone? It has been an absolute joy to be part of the lives of so many children and their families. To watch them grow into caring and confident young people has been a privilege that I will treasure forever.”
Pupil Lily in Year 6 said, “It’s sad that Mrs Cottee is leaving because she is a really good teaching assistant. She helps all the children with First Aid and when they feel sad.” Theo in Year 6 agreed saying, “It’s really sad that Mrs Cottee is leaving as she always brings joy to the classroom.”
At the unveiling, Headteacher Craig Moxham said he hoped that the new defibrillator provided a valuable service to the Cotgrave community and went on to thank Mrs Cottee for her service. “We will always remember this day, and treasure Mrs Cottee’s commitment to all the hundreds of children she has supported and cared for over the years. It’s amazing the transformation that comes over a child who is not so well, has fallen over, or who is a little bit upset when you say the magic words ‘let’s find Mrs Cottee’. I must pay special tribute to the contribution she has made to our school. A former parent often told me that Mrs Cottee is rather like the ravens at the Tower of London, and she mustn’t ever be allowed to leave!”