Developer donation to lead to defib in Plymouth
27 February 2026
A Plymouth-based housebuilder has given £1,000 towards the provision of a defibrillator in one of the city’s almshouses.
Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon presented the cheque to trustees of the Municipal Charities of Plymouth who are raising funds for the life-saving equipment at the Rawlin & John Gayer Almshouses near the Charles Cross Church in the city centre.
The Almshouses – a form of charitable social housing – have been cited at their current location since the 17th century and required regeneration after being hit in the Blitz. They are now seeking match-funding from other organisations to purchase the defibrillator.
Pre-requisites for each charity may be different though the requirements for the Rawlin & John Gayer Almshouses are that they are only available to women aged 60 or over, have a naval connection, and are financially disadvantaged.
The funding came via the Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, which sees £700,000 donated each year to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year as part of its commitment to delivering a positive and lasting legacy wherever it builds.
Recent local recipients include the Plymouth Argyle Community Foundation, The Box Museum, PEM Disability Childrens Club, St Luke’s Hospice, and Argyle Pride.
The accredited five-star builder has two major sites in Plymouth: Palmerston Heights in Derriford and Saltram Meadows in Plymstock. Properties from one-bed flat to four-bed homes are available on these sites from £170,000.
Commenting on the donation, Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon Sales Director Jane Cartwright said “Persimmon is proudly very active in Plymouth, not only in terms of building homes for local people but also delivering help to good causes and community groups across the city. That’s why we were very happy to contribute towards lifesaving equipment at the Rawlin & John Gayer Almshouses and wish the Municipal Charities of Plymouth the best of luck in their fundraising pursuits.”
Lizzy Leonard, the Clerk at Municipal Charities of Plymouth – added “The Board of Trustees is very grateful for the financial support of Persimmon Homes in helping the charity to purchase a defibrillator. Support like this from local companies makes a great deal of difference in helping to provide extra items that the charity might not otherwise be able to afford. In this case, the defibrillator may save lives. Thank you, Persimmon Homes.”
