KIND bowlers have installed a lifesaving device at their Port Glasgow clubhouse to help keep their members and their neighbours safe.

Parklea Bowling Club members have been running a variety of fundraising events to cover the costs of installing a defibrillator in front of their club.

Committee members at Parklea hope the new gadget will help prevent the worst from happening if one of the club’s players or users of the nearby sports grounds take ill.

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Club treasurer Charlene MacDonald told the Tele they felt it was important for a defibrillator to be available in the area.

Greenock Telegraph: Parklea bowling club members install defibrillator

She said: “There are footballers over at the park and a lot of people exercise here too.

“On top of that a lot of our members are older and maybe have heart conditions or disabilities so we thought it would be good to get one put in.

“Whether someone’s in the club or they’re out walking or even on the main road if an accident happens, they can use it if they know it’s there.

“We decided to have a few fundraising nights to cover the costs of getting it.

“We did race nights, quiz nights, bingo nights, football cards – things like that.

“We raised about £1,600 all in and we got a lot of help from local shops who donated prizes and vouchers.

“This is us doing our bit for the nearby community.”

Club secretary Chuck Lynch said previous instances of people collapsing at or nearby the club show how important it was to install the defibrillator.

He added: “A couple of years ago a friend of mine collapsed at Parklea and everyone thought he had died.

“I think that just shows why we’ve got to have it here, it could happen to anybody.

“If that’s there for them it could save a life.

“We’ve got the code or people can get it from emergency services to unlock the box.

“Even if it doesn’t save someone it doesn’t half buy them time.”