Call to help provide vital defibrillator coverage

A local Turriff Academy pupil, 12-year-old Olivia Rees from Crudie is leading a fundraising campaign to provide a new defibrillator for her community in an effort to help save lives.

As mum Annie Rees explained: "She approached her dad with the thought that we wouldn't be able to get to a defibrillator in time if we were ever to need one.

"She thought that it would be a good idea to organise one to be erected in Crudie. "

"Her question made us think if there was anyway in the community that we could work together to raise money to get a defibrillator, potentially at the primary school or at least at an easily accessible site.

Olivia herself said: "The nearest defibrillator is in New Byth and if anyone was in a scenario where there was no one who could drive, how would you be able to get a defibrillator."

According to the British Heart Foundation, if a defibrillator is used and effective CPR is performed within three to five minutes of cardiac arrest, the chance of survival increases from 6 per cent to 74 per cent.

She continued: "I'm sure we could come together as a community to find a way to cover the cost of annual defibrillator maintenance by raising money each year through events or contributions.

"We have set up a go fund me page and are raising the required £3000 to have one installed in the community.

"The response from the area has already been incredibly supportive and we have also started to receive raffle prizes and donations from small local businesses.

"We still have a long way to go but are committed that the community spirit in and around Crudie will help us to achieve our goal.

To help with the fund visit https://gf.me/u/y7ikd5

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.