Two generous friends have raised more than £20,000 to install more than 20 defibrillators.

Through various fundraising activities since August, Sarah Jones and Adelle Holmes, manager of the Hamers Arms, have raised £21,540 and can now buy defibs for residential areas in Ramsbottom, Stubbins and Summerseat in the coming months.

Sarah announced the impressive figure at a community gathering at the pub in Summerseat, attended by volunteers, local businesspeople, Bury North MP James Daly, Cllr Liam Dean and Martin Yates, community resuscitation development officer for North West Ambulance Service.

Sarah said the sight of footballer Christian Eriksen having a cardiac arrest at the Euros spurred her into action after realising how often heart attacks occur without a defib nearby.

Then with Adelle she organised a 26-mile walk in July from The Hamers Arms to Manchester city centre and back, raising nearly £4,000.

This was followed by a comedy night in August, and a family fun day at the pub, which raised £6,500. Their pal Jack Rogerson also donated £5,000 from his fundraising, which included money gained from Bury Council’s Pitch scheme.

Combined with a £5,000 grant from The William Openshaw Charitable Fund, Sarah said they had together raised £21,540 and she plans to venture further afield, supplying defibrillators for surrounding areas.

Mr Daly added: “Anyone can need this kind of help at any time, it’s not just people who are unfit or have health problems, anyone can need help due to a heart problem. The whole community has supported Sarah and Adelle in their journey, and what an incredible and fantastic thing that is.

“Sarah and Adelle really are two diamonds, two treasures of our community who take it upon themselves to go out and make a difference to people’s lives and they are superstars.”

Sarah said: “The generosity of the community was overwhelming and all the businesses have been so receptive. Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough and I can’t express my gratitude, and there are too many businesses to name, because so many of these businesses have suffered. It’s opened my eyes to how much of a lovely community Ramsbottom is.”