An appeal has been launched in memory of a journalist by a charity launched thanks to his encouragement.

Heartstart Malvern is aiming to install a total of 50 defibrillators in honour of Malvern Gazette reporter Rob Hale, who died recently aged 59.

The charity launched in January 2017 after Rob, pictured, encouraged its formation and subsequently promoted it in the Gazette.

More than 5,000 people have since been trained to use 33 defibrillators installed across the Malvern area.

Now, following Rob’s death, Heartstart Malvern wants to increase the number of the devices available in the area to 50.

Charity founder Richard Vakis-Lowe told the Gazette: “Heartstart Malvern was formed following an article that Robert wrote in 2016 about someone who had been resuscitated at Malvern Coach House Theatre.

“After reading this article I approached Robert with my idea about Heartstart Malvern. He gave me lots of encouragement and promoted my plans in countless articles.

“I want to pass on condolences to his friends and family on behalf of everyone at Heartstart Malvern.”