AN APPEAL has been launched in Clackmannan to secure life-saving equipment by the summer.

The pot of cash is already a third of the way full at Clackmannan Development Trust, which is looking to install and maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED) for emergencies.

Around £1,500 will be required to cover the costs and once in place, the equipment will be available in case of a cardiac arrest.

Lesley Shaw, community development officer at the trust, said: "A community-owned defibrillator has been on the trust agenda since it was identified as a community need in the town's community action plan 2015-2020.

"Being a semi-rural residential community, which attracts walkers and cyclists to the area and holds numerous events throughout the year, we felt that it this was an important piece of equipment to have at our doorstep in the event of an emergency."

The defibrillator will be located centrally and accessible for members of the public at all times.

Though the equipment is automated and comes with instructions, training will also be provided locally.

Crucially, CPR is essential even with the equipment – the casualty will have little chance if oxygen does not keep flowing to their brain and vital organs.
Members of the trust on the management committee recently met with the Saline First Responders team who shared their experiences in rendering emergency treatment with the kit while waiting on an ambulance.

Residents are already rallying around to support the cause with hundreds donated online already.

Chloe Davidson of Clubbercise Forth Valley has arranged a night of fun, exercise and games to help raise more cash.

This will take place at Clackmannan Town Hall on Friday, May 25, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, at a cost of £6 for adults and £3 for under 16s.

Locals Brian Beeton and Jim Horne are also boosting the appeal.

They donated signed copies of their book Dancing Among the Dockens – a colourful collection of poems celebrating life in Clackmannan.

The trust is selling them with all proceeds going towards the defibrillator.

Brian said: "We felt we would like to put something back into the community via the development trust and when we saw the fundraising efforts for such a vital piece of equipment we decided to donate the books to try and help raise the money required."

For copies of the book, contact Lesley via lshaw_cdt@outlook.com or call 01259 219 473.

Donations can be made online at crowdfunder.co.uk/community-defibrillator-1 or by a cheque payable to Clackmannan Development Trust.

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