A CHARITY launched with the aim of saving lives is in good heart after a successful fundraising event in Barrhead.

The table-top sale and cafe in the Salvation Army hall gave residents the chance to browse a selection of items and enjoy a cuppa with friends.

It was a fun way for the Levern Valley Defibrillator Community Partnership to raise the profile of the work it is doing to place the lifesaving equipment in strategic sites across the area.

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Barrhead Rotary Club, one of the group’s partners in the initiative, organised the coffee afternoon, which also featured a display from the University of the Third Age.

Douglas Yates, who chairs the defibrillator group said the event had been an excellent way to highlight the fact that the number of the lifesaving devices is increasing.

He added: “The number of public access defibrillators (PAD) provided by our group now stands at 11 – and others provided by East Renfrewshire Council brings the total to 16.

Barrhead News:

“It’s important that as many people as possible have the confidence to use the defibrillators in the event of an emergency, as the devices have an important role to play in saving lives.

“The numbers will be added to until I’m satisfied that we have adequate coverage in Barrhead for our residents and visitors.

“Our campaign is continuing and we are aiming to have a further four installed by the end of the year.

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“Our sincere thanks go to the Salvation Army for providing the hall and to other groups in the community who have joined us in the partnership, including the council and Rotary, Barrhead Housing Association and other organisations.”

Douglas also paid special tribute to Field Electrics, who installed the latest PAD at Barrhead Health Centre.

He said: “We are very grateful to them for the valuable help they are providing.”