A PROJECT to install lifesaving defibrillators across Barrhead has been ‘souped up’ with a donation of £1,000.

When the group of ladies who run Soup Stop at Bourock Parish Church heard about the initiative to place 10 public access defibrillators throughout the town, they immediately thought it to be a project worthy of their support.

The Soup Stop is a drop-in cafe for the local community, serving home-made soup and light lunches each Friday between noon and 2pm.

Due to its popularity, Soup Stop has been able to donate £80,000 to charity during the last 10 years.

As well as giving to church funds, organisers pick a different charity to donate to each month.

Last week, local Rotary member Douglas Yates visited Soup Stop to receive a cheque for £1,000 on behalf of the Levern Valley Defibrillator Community Partnership to help it reach its financial target to provide and install 10 defibrillators throughout the main thoroughfares in Barrhead.

The defibrillator initiative is being spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Barrhead and welcomes all donations received through the fundraising efforts of community groups, churches, clubs and schools.

Mr Yates, who is a trustee and chair of Levern Valley Defibrillator Community Partnership, said: “I am absolutely delighted by the fabulous donation from Soup Stop.

“Over the last couple of months, I have received many texts and Facebook posts from local residents who expressed their support for this much-needed, lifesaving equipment.

“I’m awaiting word back from OSCR, the charity regulator, who will register the organisation and allocate us our charity number.

“At that time, it is intended to get a crowdfunding page on the go so that locals can donate to the project.”