Defibrillator installed on Holcombe Moor in memory of local dad Andy Haines

Wednesday, 9 July 2025 22:17

By David Murphy

A life saving defibrillator has been installed near Peel Tower on Holcombe Moor to honour the memory of father-of-three Andy Haines, who tragically died from a cardiac arrest while out running in November.

A new automated external defibrillator (AED) has been unveiled on Holcombe Moor, thanks to a community effort led by the charity Restart the Heart. The life saving device has been installed near the popular Peel Tower walking and running route in tribute to Andy Haines, a 45-year-old local runner who passed away in November 2023.

Andy, a member of Holcombe Harriers, collapsed while running with his club. Some of the Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue Team (RPMRT) volunteers present at the time were also taking part in the same run and witnessed the incident. Despite emergency services’ efforts, Andy could not be saved.

Members of RPMRT returned to the site for the AED unveiling, joined by colleagues from Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, Holcombe Harriers, and Andy’s family and friends. The defibrillator is located at a strategic point on the boundary between the coverage areas of the two mountain rescue teams, an area known for frequent callouts and limited access to emergency help.

Speaking on behalf of the Rossendale & Pendle team, a spokesperson said: “Whilst a tragic incident, we are truly grateful for the fundraising and efforts to enable this to be put in place. We hope it can long serve as a memory of Andy.”

The initiative was powered by community donations and fundraising events, including a unique effort by Manchester-based YouTuber CodeNamePizza, who completed a 26.2-mile treadmill walk while live-streaming gameplay from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Restart the Heart said the AED is the first of its kind on the West Pennine Moors and described it as “a symbol of remembrance, and a lifeline for others”.