Nance’s life-saving legacy proves its worth
A defibrillator paid for by a Blantyre woman weeks before her death was accessed in the town just 24 hours after being installed.
Nance Macdonald left her mark by paying for the life-saving equipment and its installation outside Blantyre Old Parish Church, where she attended for years.
Nance, who lived on Ness Drive, left her donation with members of the Church Session before she passed away last year, asking for it to be put to good use in the community.
Having had a successful career in nursing, the Session thought it appropriate to purchase the defibrillator and have it installed in memory of Nance at a prominent point on the church wall in High Blantyre.
Remarkably, it was then accessed during a 999 call on Sunday just hours after being fitted.
Mary Sutherland of the church congregation said Nance had “left her legacy” in the town and was pleased to see the equipment being used to help others.
She told the Advertiser: “As Nance was a nurse, the Session thought it fitting to buy and install the defibrillator on the church wall on Main Street for all to access in an emergency.
“We were gobsmacked then to hear that it had been accessed during an emergency call on Sunday morning.
“Whilst we do not know the circumstances of its use, we are told when it has been removed for use and we could not believe that in such a short time it was accessed. It just goes to show the real need for this equipment.
“Nance has certainly left her legacy in the town and we think she would have loved the idea that the whole parish and community could benefit from this life saving device.
“We just want the people of Blantyre to know of its existence in case they ever require its use.”
The defibrillator is linked to the Scottish Ambulance Service and when it’s needed anyone who calls 999 in an emergency will be given the access code and full instructions on how to use it.
The model switches from adult to child use also.
Mary added: “The Session would like to thank Jo at London Hearts for guidance and support and also to Kev, Stephen and James at Cross Electrics Glasgow Limited for their service.”
Nance has certainly left her legacyinthetown and we think she wouldhaveloved the idea that the whole parish and communitycould benefit from this life-saving device
Mary Sutherland