Honouring a Local Legend: A Lifesaving Defibrillator Installed at Chaplins Pub

At Red Sky Foundation, our mission is simple but powerful: to save lives by placing accessible, lifesaving defibrillators where they’re needed most. This month, we are proud to share a story that truly embodies the heart of our work and the community spirit that drives it.

Recently, we teamed up with the beloved Chaplins Best of British Real Ale Pub in Sunderland to install a lifesaving defibrillator on its exterior wall. It is a permanent, publicly accessible device that could one day be the difference between life and death.

This installation isn’t just about increasing health and safety in the community, it’s also a heartfelt tribute to one of Chaplins much loved regulars, Billy Gibson who tragically and suddenly passed in December 2025. The pub is a hub of local friendship, laughter, and memories, and this defibrillator stands as a lasting memorial to the joy he brought to those around him. Following Billy’s tragic passing, we also offered the team at Chaplins an unlimited period of counselling to support them through this difficult time.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. In the crucial first moments of a medical emergency, immediate access to a defibrillator coupled with CPR can dramatically increase someone’s chance of survival. That is why making these devices available 24 hours a day in everyday locations like pubs, community centres and public spaces is so vital.

Why it Matters

Every defibrillator we install is registered with the national defibrillator network, The Circuit, meaning emergency callers can be directed straight to it when needed. It’s easily accessible, installed outside so it is available day and night without needing to enter a building. It’s ready for use by anyone, as modern AEDs talk users through the steps, making them straightforward even for first time users.

By placing defibrillators in familiar, well-loved spots like Chaplins, we’re helping turn ordinary places into lifesaving ones and empowering local people with resources that could make all the difference in an emergency.

A Big Thank You to the Community

We want to thank Chaplins Pub, its staff and patrons, and the wider Sunderland community for welcoming this initiative and helping spread awareness about cardiac health and emergency readiness.

Every installation brings us one step closer to our vision of a community where no one is left without support when it matters most. Together, we are building a network of lifesavers across Sunderland and beyond and our work continues.

We’re also delighted that Sunderland BID are supporting us in making the streets of Sunderland safer for our community and are keeping a watchful eye over them for us.

If you would like to support the Red Sky Foundation or learn how to install a defibrillator in your local area, please contact us.