From Ben Lomond to bake sales: How one woman's efforts is set to save lives

A Bearsden woman has recently fundraised to have a defibrillator installed at her former primary school.

Megan Thompson, who is now a dentistry student at the University of Glasgow, decided she wanted to give back to Castlehill Primary School after being diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) - an abnormally fast heart rhythm.

In order to purchase the life-saving equipment, Megan undertook a bake sale in her garden - where over 400 cakes were sold - and a sponsored climb to the top of Ben Lomond, where she played her bagpipes in celebration.

It comes after she recently learned that defibrillators increase the chances of survival for those with SVT - who experience cardiac arrest - by 90 percent.

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Speaking on the great achievement, Megan said: “I’d like to thank everyone who helped me fundraise; my family have been fantastic as have my neighbours and friends.

"Bearsden Baptist Church, Castlehill Primary Parent Council, the Castlehill Community and Councillor Cumming have all been very supportive.

"I’d also like to thank Edward Moore from the British Heart Foundation who has been a great help and East Dunbartonshire Council for adopting the defibrillator and taking care of it.”

She continued: “'Whilst you hope there is never a need for a defibrillator, in the unfortunate event it is required, it can significantly improve the chances of survival of anyone in cardiac arrest.

"I will always be grateful to my surgeon for changing my life and for inspiring me to fundraise and campaign for basic life support. I am so pleased we now have a defibrillator accessible 24/7 in the centre of Castlehill.”

East Dunbartonshire Council helped to install the equipment and will maintain it as it joins the network of defibs stationed in a range of Council-owned and operated premises.

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Council leader, Gordan Low, said: “Megan is to be congratulated on this wonderful achievement for the Castlehill community.

“The Council recognised that a network of defibs was needed throughout East Dunbartonshire and were pleased to be able to roll these out across our estate late last year. But there really can't be too many defibrillators, and it’s been great to see the efforts of local people, groups, and businesses in supporting the wider installation of this vital equipment within our communities.

“Thanks to Megan, this fully accessible defibrillator in the centre of Castlehill may save a life in the unfortunate event someone nearby requires it. It is testament to her that she wanted to help others after going through such a traumatic time of her own. I wish Megan the very best of health and every success in her studies.”

For the latest information on defibrillator locations, click HERE