George Johnston Unveils Community Defibrillator at Masefield Primary School

On the 28th March 2022, Masefield Primary School in Little Lever unveiled a brand new community defibrillator with the help of Bolton Wanderers centre back George Johnston.

Throughout primary schools across Bolton and as part Premier League Primary Stars (PLPS) project, we deliver The Play Leaders programme. The Play Leaders programme provided Year 4 with an opportunity for children to develop transferable skills which can be used in all areas of life. The objective is to enable pupils to develop confidence in their ability to lead their peers and younger children and to build knowledge of an extensive range of activities. We feel it’s imperative to raise self-esteem and self-worth, improve planning and organisational skills and help children to adapt to different situations and environments.

Johnston joined the children towards the end of a Play Leaders session before joining the rest of the school outside to thunderous applause. The children of Masefield then rallied together to perform a well rehearsed song before Johnston then cut the red ribbon unveiling the defibrillator, joined by the North West Ambulance Service and headteacher Mr Done.

After the ribbon cutting, Johnston was then subject to a grilling from the students! George took questions from the students across each year group and teachers. He spoke with the children about his journey to success, staying on top of mental and physical health and the attitudes needed to reach your full potential.

Mr Done said:

“It was a fantastic event for our school on Monday with the opening of our community defibrillator. We hope it never has to be used but is available to everyone if needed. With the support of Bolton Wanderers in the Community, we welcomed George Johnston to open our defibrillator and take part in a ‘question and answers’ session with the whole school. Rob Messina from BWITC has led the Play Leaders course for our Year 4 cohort – this has enabled our pupils to build life-long skills at a young age and support our school vision of equipping pupils with the knowledge needed to be successful future citizens. Our pupils were inspired by George Johnston’s words and advice on daily improvement and never giving up; these key messages were echoed across the school community and have motivated many pupils to try a different approach when something is difficult.”