Lifesaving device is put in Ardglass shop

Lifesaving device is put in Ardglass shop

9 December 2015

ARDGLASS is the latest part of the district to have a lifesaving defibrillator available 24 hours a day as a result of the “overwhelming generosity” of one local woman who financed its purchase.

The device, used to provide emergency medical assistance to people who have had a cardiac arrest, is located in William Mulhall’s shop in Quay Street which has the unique distinction of being open all year round, including Christmas Day.

The Ardglass Streetsafe organisation recently launched an online appeal to raise money to buy a defibrillator — which delivers a small electric shock to help restart the heart — and was “blown away” when a Downpatrick woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, pledged an initial £500.

A short time afterwards, the woman got back in touch with Streetsafe official, Gerard Forward, to enquire how the appeal was going and how much more money was needed to purchase the lifesaving equipment.

“I informed the lady we needed another £650 which she promptly provided. Her overwhelming generosity has blown us away. She is clearly a very community-minded person who wants to ensure that if anyone suffers a heart attack in the Ardglass area, help will be at hand,” explained Gerard.

“We only launched the appeal a few weeks ago and are delighted the defibrillator is now in place. This lady can only be described as a Good Samaritan and her very generous donation has been endorsed by her family.”

Gerard said Streetsafe cannot thank the Downpatrick woman enough and is delighted people in Ardglass now have access to such a lifesaving device, 24 hours a day.

“We hope people will never have to use this equipment, but the fact it is available will mean help can be with them in minutes,” he continued.

“While the device will be located at Mulhall’s shop, our members will have it in their car with them while they are out and about at night making sure people, in particular the elderly, are safe. The fact we will have the device with us means we can respond to an emergency situation if one arises.”

Gerard is one of a number of people in the village who have been trained how to use the defibrillator, explaining that if additional money comes in as a result of the on line appeal it will be used to train more volunteers to provide them with knowledge and confidence to act when facing an emergency situation.

“I have spoken to the lady a number of times and she said if the defibrillator helps save one life it will make her Christmas. Her generosity and care for others is humbling and we are so pleased she chose to help us achieve our goal of ensuring people in Ardglass and the surrounding area now have access to a device which could help save their lives,” he said.

Gerard added: “We thank this lady from the bottom of our hearts. Her generosity, particularly at this time of year and the spirit of giving, has had a profound impact upon us. He financial support to help save lives is really overwhelming.

“Her compassion for others is inspiring and we will never be able to thank her enough. We now have the equipment and the trained people to really make a difference if faced with a life-threatening cardiac event.”

The Streetsafe contact number is 07716 207679.