The Repair Shop transforms Harborne phone box into a Defibrillator Hub

This week, Harborne resident Rupert James Conway appeared on the BBC’s The Repair Shop on the Road to turn a phone box into a defibrillator hub.

Along with his local MP Preet Kaur Gill, Rupert fundraised to transform the phone box into a usable defibrillator hub.

The phone box was adopted by Rupert in 2024, through the BT ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme, supported by The Community Heartbeat Trust. The scheme allowed people to adopt a piece of heritage street furniture for the price of just £1. Rupert bought the box with the hopes of transforming it into a hub for local residents during emergencies.

Just 8% of people suffering from a cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive, with research showing that the low survival rate could be attributed to a lack of access to defibrillators in close proximity.

The Repair Shop producers approached the Harborne local after achieving his goal of fundraising £3,000 for a defibrillator to transform the phone box.

Preet Kaur Gill MP, said of the appearance, “Rupert’s goal was simple – to help save lives. It is incredible Rupert has transformed a phone box on Lordswood Road in Harborne that would otherwise be sitting unused into something that can help save lives in an emergency.

Cardiac arrests fatalities happen too often due to delays in receiving treatment. This defibrillator hub will save lives and provide a much-needed emergency support for Harborne.

It was an honour to work with Rupert and the Repair shop team to transform the phone box.”

Rupert James Conway, commented “I’m grateful to work with the Repair Shop to bring this into our street. When I bought the phone box I had no idea we’d be able to get it done and improve our services. It can be difficult to access a hospital, so knowing there’s one locally will be a great help and relief to the neighbourhood.”

The Repair Shop on the Road is available to watch on BBC iplayer.