Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Family raise cash for defibrillator
Vital equipment installed in late nurse’s name
A potentially life- saving defibrillator has been installed in Calderbank in memory of a beloved Airdrie nurse.
Alison Clark tragically passed away, aged just 36, at her Whinhall home in September 2016.
Her family held a charity night in Airdrie working men’s club late last year to raise funds for a defibrillator – but Calderbank firm Airdrie Motorist Centre volunteered to foot the bill for the high energy shock-providing device.
This kind gesture allowed Alison’s loved ones to use the £2500 collected at the fundraiser to support Alison’s sister Jennifer, who takes care of Alison’s daughters Alix and Megan.
The 24- hour, fully functional defibrillator now takes pride of place in Calderbank, where Alison’s family live, at the village’s community centre.
Alison’s uncle Jim said: “The first eight minutes of a cardiac arrest are crucial; and having this piece of equipment could save lives.
“I would like to thank everyone who came and supported us at the charity night, especially DJ Josh, Corrina, Paige, Mitchell, Jennifer, Rab, Ryan, Karen and Amber for helping us make sure the event ran smoothly.
“I would also like to thank our compere Bobby Clark and bingo caller David Clark, the staff at Airdrie working men’s club and the fabulous acts who entertained us on the night – Liz Sloan, Mitch Gibb, Ivor Bond and Kirk James.
“We were overwhelmed by the support of all the local businesses in Calderbank, as well as others from further afield, like Airdrie Taxis, Penny Cars, Barclay Hair Design, Guidis, The Fourways, Dr Ross and The Post, along with many others.
“At the charity night, Councillor Michael Coyle handed me a letter from Airdrie Motorist Centre who wanted to pay for the defibrillator; I wish to thank them for their generosity and support.
“I would also like to thank Councillor Coyle and Councillor Alan Beveridge who have assisted me throughout the process of having the defibrillator installed and set up for use.
“After the very difficult time the family has been through, we were thrilled to see a grand total of £2549 raised at the charity night.
“This was gifted to Alison’s sister Jennifer, who takes care of Alison’s daughters Alix and Megan.
“Jennifer and her family would also like to give a big thank you to everyone involved with the event.”
Airdrie South councillor Michael Coyle added: “It was a great pleasure to be involved in honouring Alison’s memory and providing a vital piece of equipment which could help save lives in Calderbank.
“Alison’s family organised a great charity night and I am so pleased it was such a huge success.
“I’d like to offer a huge thanks to them and Airdrie Motorist Centre for providing the funding for the defibrillator.”
A spokesperson for Airdrie Motorist Centre said: “Even if this defibrillator only saves one life then it would be fantastic.
“We were keen to do something that honours Alison’s memory, and potentially help other people in Calderbank.
“Though Airdrie Motorist Centre financed the defibrillator, the driving forces behind it were Alison’s family and Councillor Coyle.”