A FATHER who tragically lost his son to a heart attack is raising money to install a life-saving defibrillator just a few minutes’ walk from the spot where his boy collapsed.

Stewart Munro’s son Kenneth - who had two young boys of his own - passed away in September 2021 aged just 30 after suddenly taking ill at Queensway in Gourock.

Stewart, a Gourock Bowling Club member, and his friends are now planning to hold a race night to raise cash for a defibrillator to be installed at the Cowal View shops.

He and pals Keith Haslam, Raymond Swankie and Alan Crighton also lost another close friend in a similar incident at the turn of the year and say the two tragedies highlight the need for the life-saving kits to be available in all parts of Gourock.

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Stewart said:  “Kenneth had a heart attack while he was at work and he was fitted with a stent afterwards.

“He got home the following week and then he took another heart attack at his house on Queensway the week after that.

“He had two wee baby boys, at the time they would have been nine months and two and a half.

“They’re still with his mother and I see them every week, which has been a big help to get through it.

Greenock Telegraph: Kenneth Munro

“Kenneth’s [heart attack] was just out the blue, it wasn’t like he had a heart condition or anything like that.

“He felt ill at work and then got taken to hospital and got a stent in within hours.

“There was no kind of indication beforehand that he had any heart problems. It really was a big shock.

“This [the new defibrillator] will help someone else at some point.

“I’ve been surprised by how much local businesses have been putting in, especially with the cost of living situation it must be quite tight for a lot of the shops.

“It’s great to see they’re getting behind us.”

Greenock Telegraph: gourock Bowling Club

The four pals will hold the race night on June 30 in Gourock Bowling Club and have already been busy putting up flyers around the town.

Keith said it was vital to ensure all parts of Gourock had a defibrillator close by, adding: “There’s nothing up that side [Cowal View] of the town.

“Defibs aren’t guaranteed to save lives, but they will assist.

“I’m disappointed that nothing has been put here before now, but we’ll do what we can to get something up there.

“The fire service are planning to put defibs outside every fire station in Scotland so we don’t need a defib up at the Gourock Fire Station. There’s one at the pierhead near the tourist information centre and there’s another one at Old Gourock and Ashton Club.

“Adding this one would make sure the town is well covered."

Keith said: “I’ve been asking businesses to put our flyers up in their shop windows and the amount of people who have given me vouchers for our raffle has been unbelievable.

“It’s still incredible the support we’ve had.

“You never know when it could be you that needs one of these, if it’s there it can be used and it can save a life.”

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As well as kind donations from local businesses, Gourock Bowling Club have also generously donated a number of raffle prizes.

The pals estimate that around £2,500 will be needed to cover the costs of the defibrillator and are ready to hold further fundraisers to cover its upkeep.

Raymond said: “I just think having something up that side of the town can help somebody until the ambulance gets there.

“It would at least give somebody a chance.

“The response we’ve got has been overwhelming, so we need to say a big thank you to all the shop owners and the friends and family who are going to come together for this.”

Those wishing to make a donation to the race night are asked to visit the Gourock Bowling Club Facebook page for further details.