25 June 2025
At Ultimate Judo, we’ve always recognised the importance of having a defibrillator on-site. With hundreds of people using our Aberdeen dojo every week — from club members and visiting families to event spectators and local organisations — we made the decision earlier this year to invest in an internal defibrillator.
But that unit could only be accessed during class times, leaving a gap when the dojo was closed.
Now, thanks to this external upgrade, a fully accessible defibrillator is available 24/7 for the local community in Aberdeen — providing vital peace of mind in the event of a sudden cardiac emergency.
The defibrillator is located at our club hut on a residential street, just beside the old railway line — a popular route used daily by dog walkers, families, and joggers. With such a high volume of foot traffic, the chances of this defibrillator being needed are very real.
“Having a community defibrillator is incredibly important — it could be the thing that saves a life. Of course, we hope it’s never needed, but just knowing it’s there brings real peace of mind. Community means everything to us at Ultimate Judo, and this is one way we can show that we’re committed to giving something back,” said Yati.
In June last year, Donna Liddle went into sudden cardiac arrest at home. Her children, Oliver (11) and Arianna (9), were forced to act fast under unimaginable pressure. Arianna called 999, while Oliver placed Donna in the recovery position and calmly followed instructions from emergency services.
A neighbour performed CPR until paramedics arrived with a defibrillator, which delivered three life-saving shocks. Donna was later fitted with an internal defibrillator at the hospital.
“Without a shadow of doubt, they saved my life,” said Donna. “They were faced with a traumatic situation a lot of adults would struggle with.”
Both children were formally recognised by the Scottish Ambulance Service for their quick thinking and bravery.
Following her recovery, Donna led a community fundraising campaign that raised an amazing £29,000. She donated:
£17,000 to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, which funded six vital telemetry monitors for the cardiac unit.
The remaining funds went toward eight public access defibrillators, including the one now outside Ultimate Judo.
This generous act ensures more people across the Aberdeen area have fast access to life-saving equipment in critical situations.
This project couldn’t have happened without the support of many — including the Scout Association, who helped facilitate the installation.
To Donna, Oliver, Arianna, and everyone involved — thank you. Your bravery, kindness, and determination have made a lasting difference.
This new 24/7 defibrillator isn’t just a piece of equipment — it’s a powerful reminder of how a community can come together to protect one another.
You will be able to find the defibrillator at:
Ultimate Judo, The Scout Association, Ruthrie Terrace, Aberdeen, AB159LL
It will be Available 24/7 and listed on the UK Defibrillator Register.
