Fundraising heartbeat
Bannockburn couple Greg and Karen Farquharson are putting their hearts into making sure people in Bannockburn can keep theirs beating.
The pair are taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 29 and will be running 26.2 miles to raise money to buy a public access defibrillator for the community.
The equipment would be stored in the Tartan Arms bar and restaurant which Greg’s dad Joey co-owns with John McQue, and would be available to the public when the premises are open.
A number of local communities have their own defibrillators and Karen and Greg felt it was about time a village the size of Bannockburn also had one at its disposal.
Karen, a childminder, said: “A defibrillator works by attempting to shock the heart into re-starting if it has stopped - known as a cardiac arrest. They are only available if you call an ambulance or are lucky enough to be in a premises that has purchased one.
“The survival rate of cardiac arrest is thought to be around 10 per cent which in comparison with other countries is actually very low.
“Early CPR and defibrillation is a key factor in survival, therefore having one within our community is vital.
“Greg is in the Ambulance Service so he regularly sees how important it can be to have equipment like this available. There will be first aid training and Greg will also be holding a training session once the defibrillator has been purchased so anyone that wants to get involved is very welcome.
“Any help is greatly appreciated to help raise the £750 to £1000 that is required to purchase the equipment.
“Any extra money raised will go to a local children’s charity.”
Anyone who would like to support the effort or would like more details can either pop into the Tartan Arms or call on (01786) 812256.