Two parents have launched a bold campaign to have every school in Renfrew fitted with a life saving defibrillator.

Rachael Cosgrove and Michael Campbell were shocked when Denmark player Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during his Euros match earlier this month and was only revived thanks to one of the machines.

They were also alarmed to discover that very few places in the town had them, including Kirklandneuk Primary where they send their children.

Now they have launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds to make the machines more readily available in all schools and Renfrew generally.

A defibrillator costs £1,800 to buy and £200 a year to maintain.

Rachael, 35, said: “After watching the harrowing event involving Christian Eriksen, Michael and I have been working to try and provide Renfrew with more publicly accessible defibrillators.

“At the moment, there is only one with 24/7 access, which is located in Knockhill Park.

“A town the size of Renfrew needs more than just one.”

In order for the patient to have the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest, defibrillation must be provided within the first three to four minutes, according to experts. 

Rachael, who is an office administrator, added: “After a recent Kirklandneuk Parent Council meeting, it was decided that the best place for a defibrillator was the playground so that it can also be used by the local community.  

“We want to ensure that everyone in Renfrew has quick access to a defibrillator should they need one, not just those living in certain areas.”

Rachael and Michael also hope to install a machine in the town centre, near Andrew Avenue and in Paisley Road outside Robertson Park.

Rachael added: “We have set up this GoFundMe page to try and help raise the money needed to provide us all with better access to these life saving devices.

“We hope people will never have to use one but having one nearby could be the difference between life and death.

“Renfrew High and Trinity High both have defibrillators, but they are inside the school.
“We would love to work with both to make them publicly accessible.”

The pair’s two week old campaign has already had a boost after local councillor John Shaw said he would ask Renfrewshire Council to buy a defibrillator for every school, not just those in Renfrew.

If the scheme gets the go ahead, the two parents will use what funds are raised to have more machines installed in public places such as Renfrew town centre.

Father of two Michael, 45, who is a health and safety manager, added:”I am quite passionate about defibrillators and their ability to save lives.

“I was disappointed when I found out that Kirklandneuk does not have one and decided to help Rachael raise the necessary funds.

“Our vision is that defibrillators are not only be accessible to the schools but the wider community.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so through the GoFundMe page.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We are currently assessing the defibrillators we have across Renfrewshire and anticipate that a report will be brought to the relevant board in due course.”