Ryder Cup hero Bernard Gallacher is backing a major drive to equip Arbroath with life-saving defibrillators.
Gallacher, who came close to death when he collapsed during a speaking engagement in Aberdeen last August, was saved by the fact the venue was equipped with a defibrillator.
He has now given his support to Arbroath Rotary Club’s variety concert, which will raise money to equip the community with defibrillators.
He said: “I have always admired the charitable work and projects undertaken by all Rotarians.
“This Arbroath project is of particular importance to me because if I had not received prompt treatment with a defibrillator last August, it is extremely unlikely I would be alive today.
“Getting AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) out into the community is vitally important.
“As we know, a lot of these campaigns are borne out of tragedy but I am doing really well and feel very fortunate to be here.”
Friday’s concert at the Webster Theatre will see almost 300 entertainers taking to the stage to raise funds for the project.
Rotary president Ian Lamb said he was delighted the club’s efforts had attracted the support of a sporting personality.
“It’s a pity that, because of other commitments, Bernard Gallacher can’t join us in person…but he has taken a personal interest in what we are doing and he’s wished us the very best of luck,” he said.
“Bernard is heading up a major campaign with the PGA and Arrhythmia Alliance to have AEDs installed in as many golf clubs in the UK as possible.
“He sees golf clubs as part of the community, serving all ages, making them the perfect vehicle to across the message: ‘Play golf, help save lives, www.defibssavelives.org’.”
Mr Lamb described the evening as “in the community, by the community, for the community”.
Organiser, club president-elect Iain Grimmond, said the show promised something for everyone.
He said: “A large proportion of the entertainers are still at school as we have the Rock Challenge sequences from both Arbroath High School and Arbroath Academy and a choir of P3 pupils from Timmergreens School, who are joining a group singing a song about Arbroath smokies.
“We also have the Declaration Band, who have a huge following in the area, as well as members of the Limelight youth group and Arbroath Musical Society song, dance, drama and comedy, it’s all there.”
Tickets are available from the theatre box office. Bathgate-born Gallacher led Europe to victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup in 1995, having twice previously been losing captain.
He made his debut in the competition as a player in 1969, the same year he became the youngest winner of the PGA Championship at 20 years, 97 days, a record that stood until last year,