THE Rhu and Shandon community could soon have another publicly accessible defibrillator (PAD).

Sheenah Nelson of the Helensburgh and Local District CPR/Defibrillator Association was invited to the recent Rhu and Shandon Gala Day AGM where she was presented with a cheque for £890.

Chairman Malcolm Pearson presented Sheenah with the cheque which will allow another PAD to be located in the community, adding to those already in place at Rhu Marina and the Rosslea Hall Hotel.

Gordon Black, who is set to take over as the Gala Day’s chairman, said: “The 2016 Gala had a completely new committee so none of us had much of a clue what to do. Because of this we didn’t actually donate any money to any local causes – which is often something the gala did.

“Helping fund a defibrillator came up at a committee meeting and we felt it was a no brainer to fundraise anddonate money from the Gala towards getting another lifesaving piece of equipment installed in the village

“I have never seen a defibrillator in action, however I have been on a course and can see how valuable they are and know of a friend of a friend who wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for a defibrillator being close by when he suffered a heart attack.”

Malcolm Pearson added: “The Gala is supported by the community and we wanted to put something back into the heart of the community and decided a defibrillator would be a good idea. We are hopeful it will be located at Manse Brae where everyone will know where to find it.

“Thank you to everyone who donated generously on the day”

Sheenah Nelson said: “This is wonderful! The Gala committee had decided that they would support the defibrillator campaign to raise funds for another PAD which will be located in their community.

“Another example of local people helping to save local lives by funding one of these lifesaving machines.”

Chairman Malcolm Pearson presented the cheque to Sheenah alongside vice chairman Gordon Black, secretary Kim McCallion, treasurer Richard Morgan, Jonathan Trayte and Douglas Black.