An anonymous benefactor has helped a Highland Perthshire community by providing funds for a vital defibrillator.
The “generous donation” will cover the costs of a new life-saving machine following the theft of the previous one from outside Blair Atholl Village Hall last month a crime described as “appalling” at the time.
The public access defibrillator (Pad) was subsequently recovered from the Mill Lade in Blair Atholl but was damaged beyond repair. It had been in place for more than a year, after being donated by the Friends of Pitlochry Hospital.
Pads have been installed generally through public subscription at many places across the country to provide immediate first aid to heart attack victims.
They are available for use 24/7 by the general public in the crucial first few minutes of what are potentially life-threatening emergencies and have saved many lives.
This is regarded as being of particular significance in rural areas such as Blair Atholl, where professional medical support may take longer to reach. The theft of the previous Pad meant there was no life-saving machine in the 30-mile A9 corridor between Killiecrankie and Dalwhinnie.
It is understood a replacement Pad will cost in the region of £1,500.
Yesterday Blair Atholl Community Council chairman Donald Isles expressed the delight of the residents at the news a generous benefactor had come forward with money.
He said: “We are very grateful for this donation, which will allow us to go ahead and purchase a replacement defibrillator now.
“This will ensure this vital piece of emergency equipment will again be available for use in our community as soon as possible.”
preoch@thecourier.co.uk