Supporting Community Safety in Hillingdon through the donation of two New AEDs Installed at Ruislip Lido Woodland Centre

At McCann, we believe that creating safer, more resilient communities starts with small, meaningful actions that have a lasting impact. This week, we were proud to install two new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at the much-loved Ruislip Lido Woodland Centre, supporting the safety and wellbeing of everyone who visits this beautiful green space in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

Spanning 726 acres of woodland and nature reserve, with a 60-acre lake at its heart, Ruislip Lido is one of Hillingdon’s most popular outdoor destinations. From families enjoying a summer day out to walkers, runners, and local wildlife enthusiasts, the area attracts thousands of visitors year-round. Ensuring that life-saving equipment is easily accessible in this setting could make all the difference in a moment of crisis.

The installation included:

• One AED at The Woodland Centre, serving visitors, staff, and nearby facilities.
• One AED at The Boathouse, strategically positioned near the outdoor gym and restaurant, two of the busiest areas of the Lido.

Both devices are now fully registered with the local ambulance service, meaning they can be quickly located and accessed in an emergency.

“Installing AEDs in key locations is a simple act with life-saving potential. We’re proud to support this initiative and help ensure our community is better prepared in moments that matter most. Thank you, McCanns, for your generous donation — we look forward to working together on future projects for our community.” Community Projects Officer, Community Engagement & Town Centre Improvements, London Borough of Hillingdon

How It All Began

During a recent visit to Uxbridge College, our EDI and Social Value Manager, Kate, spent time speaking with local schools and residents about how McCann could provide long-lasting support to the community of Hillingdon.

While grabbing a coffee at a local coffee shop, Kate struck up a conversation with an elderly couple. The wife shared that her husband had recently had a pacemaker fitted after a frightening collapse in town, and that his life had been saved thanks to “one of those defib thingys.”

That simple, heartfelt exchange stayed with Kate and was a powerful reminder of how crucial quick access to defibrillators can be, and it sparked the idea to explore how McCann could help expand their availability across the borough.

Collaboration and Action

We began discussions with the Mayor’s Office to identify key community locations where new AEDs could have the greatest impact. John McCann immediately offered full support, sourcing the defibrillator units and arranging for their installation without hesitation. Working closely with the Mayor’s Office and local councillors, we were able to identify Ruislip Lido as an ideal location due to its high footfall and the variety of activities taking place there.

Below you can see John McCann, Managing Director of McCann Ltd, the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Philip Corthorne and Cllr Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community and Environment and ward councillor John Riley, with one of the new defibrillators at Ruislip Lido Woodland Centre.

A Shared Commitment to Safety

In 2016, McCann was awarded a 7-year street lighting maintenance contract, which was subsequently extended for an additional 3 years until March 2026, for London Borough of Hillingdon. The contract covers the maintenance of 25,000 lighting assets: 5,130 Illuminated signs, bollards, and centre island posts; 4,170 non-illuminated signs and solar/reflective bollards; and 240 feeder pillars across the Borough.

At McCann, we’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved together with the London Borough of Hillingdon, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who supported this initiative, from the councillors and Mayor’s Office to the residents whose stories inspired it.

Through every project we deliver, our goal remains the same: to make public spaces safer, more connected, and more resilient, one community at a time.