WHITELEY Community Responders have warned that their potentially life-saving service will fold if they don't get vital funding soon.

According to team responder, Dave Crowther the crucial amenity that provides emergency medical treatment before paramedics arrive only has enough cash to enable responders to attend a couple more call-outs.

After that, because of a desperate shortage of donations, the coffers will be completely empty and responders won't be able to replace vital equipment used for the job.

They have just £90 left and don't think they will replenish the funds in time to achieve requalification status this month - status they need to continue attending emergencies.

They need £1,500 a year to keep going.

Dave, 44, of Conrad Gardens, said: "We are desperate for funds. At the moment we are in a situation where if we use equipment we will have to replace it and then we will be completely out of money. I estimate that we have enough to attend two call-outs to major incidents.

"After that the Whiteley Community Responders will go under."

Last week the Daily Echo reported how father-of-four, Dave, stood down from his role after being criticised by another resident on the Internet for the way he drove to an emergency.

Frustration over the lack of support and funding from various local businesses in Whiteley also contributed to his decision to quit his invaluable role of four years.

On the Whiteley Community Association website, he recently criticised large local firms for not making donations when approached, even though responders had been called out to emergencies on their premises.

Dave however has vowed to stay on the two-strong team if they get the financial backing they need.

He said: "I will continue to give my time and efforts if people support us. I'm not asking for a lot."

Antony Penny, manager of the Solent Hotel in Whiteley - one of the businesses Dave claimed had refused them funding, said: "We have donated items to assist with fundraising but we are inundated with requests from charities and can't support them all."

He added: "But the responders are a valuable community service and if we are approached in the future we would be happy to donate items that can be raffled off to raise money."

Staff at the town's Abbey National branch also said they would consider an application from the responders.

If you would like to help, call Dave on 01489 603380.