Life-saving fundraiser is ‘pioneering move’

The car wash is one of a number of charity events planned by the Sunday School to pay for a heart defibrillator.

Minister Rev. Dr. Paul Reid indicated that the device costs in the region of £1,600.

He said he believes that this is a “pioneering” move by the congregation.

“I know of a number of parishoners, who like every congregation, suffer from a heart condition,” he said.

“If someone suffers a heart attack and there is a defibrillator on the premises, the success rate may be 85 per cent.

“If a church is packed, for a funeral for example, especially at a time when people are grieving and have suffered the shock of a bereavement, if someone takes ill, then we would be in a position to help them.”

Dr. Reid indicated that he and members of the church’s organisations have been given first aid training and have also been trained to use the defibrillator.

He noted that he has never previously experienced a congregation member taking ill in such a way, but he added that it is a subject close to his heart as his grandfather Robert Bond died of a heart attack.

He praised the Sunday School for their “forward-thinking”.

“Some of the projects they come up with amazes me.

“A few years ago, they raised £1,500 to pay for a well in Africa. This year, they wanted to do something for their own conggregation.

“No other church has done something like this.

“If anyone in the congregation has a heart attack, we will have our own defibrillator.”

Dr Reid went on to say that the equipment will also be on hand if there is ever an emergency, for example, when sports are being played at the church.

Other fundraisers being planned include a lunch for the congregation and a five-a-side football match with clerical colleagues.

Dr Reid indicated that the equipment will be officially presented to the congregation at a special Children’s Day service in June.