FOUR friends who teamed up to install lifesaving defibrillators across Gourock have hailed the ‘incredible’ community support they received.

The vital kits have now been installed at the Cowal View shops, Gourock Fire Station, Eastern View and the pavilion at the Battery Park following a months-long donation drive from pals Stewart Munro, Keith Haslam, Raymond Swankie and Alan Crighton.

The pals decided to raise the money last year following the sudden passing of a close friend and in honour of Stewart’s son Kenneth, who passed away aged just 30 after taking ill at Queensway in the town in September 2021.

When the group launched their fundraising campaign, they had hoped to cover the cost of a single defibrillator, but ultimately brought in enough cash for four.

Greenock Telegraph: Defibrillators installed at four locations in Gourock after friends organise donation drive.

Keith told the Telegraph that they were delighted by the public response.

He said: “We started out just looking to get one and now we’ve made enough for four. The fundraising we’ve done has been overwhelming.

“We’ve had donations and support from shop owners, businesses, other organisations within the area and our work colleagues through our JustGiving page.

“The amount we raised is unbelievable and to get four of these lifesaving machines for the area is superb.

“People in Gourock have recognised the importance of this, times are hard but they’ve still brought in a fantastic amount.

“We’ve never looked back since we started that fundraiser.

“We need to say a big thanks to Eastern View and River Clyde Homes, to A.J at Keystore in Cowal View, to Scottish Fire & Rescue Service area commander David McCarrey and also Inverclyde Leisure for allowing us to put them up.”

While the friends hope the devices will never have to be used, they are keen to ensure that defibs are readily available to locals if the worst does occur.

Keith added: “At the Battery Park for example, at the weekend you have people playing rugby and football, as well as doing the parkrun on a Sunday morning.

“That defibrillator is there now if something happens, and somebody needs it.

“They’re foolproof and almost automatic to use.

“I feel a real sense of achievement, we’re all so proud of what we’ve done and the fact that we’ve been able to supply these units.

“It’s important to have these dotted throughout the community.

“It’s a holding measure to give the ambulances time to get there in an emergency and hopefully it can really make a difference.”