DICK Tracey’s determination to see more defibrillators across the county should motivate us all.

He will not relent until no-one is more than 10 minutes from one of these devices, and nor should the rest of us.

In the race against time in an emergency, defibrillators can prove the difference between life and death.

With the lives of our neighbours at stake, we should all be doing what we can to help Mr Tracey’s vision become reality.

Individuals, groups and business can all help save lives by getting involved.

The Little Wittenham community demonstrated its spirit by raising £1,000 for a defibrillator in a disused phone box.

More should follow their example.

Not only can it save lives, it is a great way to show the rest of the area you are an integral part of the community.

There are funds waiting to be given out by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils. It would be a travesty if the money went unspent when instead there could be life-saving equipment across these areas.

And the more people who apply for funding from these councils, the more the local authorities will know this is a scheme that matters.Those without funds, such as Cherwell District Council, might be convinced to free funds if the uptake is so strong elsewhere.

Even in the city, where ambulance response times are better, it would be great to have defibrillators ready just in case.

The Oxford Mail is delighted to get behind this project and hopes all our readers do too.