A caring cop who helped save a man’s life has completed his mission to get a new public access defibrillator for Renfrewshire.
The device was placed at PACE Theatre Company in Paisley this month, following the fundraising efforts of PC Kyle Reid.
PC Reid and his colleague PC Jenner used a defibrillator to help save Houston man Colin Jackson’s life following a cardiac arrest last April.
The medical emergency, which took place in a car park in Linwood, inspired PC Reid to complete four rounds of golf last July to fund a new device.
The 31-year-old, who works across Renfrewshire, told the Gazette: “At the time I was lucky to be able to source a defibrillator which saved Colin’s life.
“After the event I felt I had to do something.
"I decided I would mix my love of golf with my passion for fundraising and I managed to raise over £3,000 which I donated to Lucky2BHere who provided us with the life-saving equipment.
“I have family connections with PACE, including my wife who for many years attended the group.
"I am delighted the defibrillator is staying in Paisley."
PC Reid was present along with Colin at the event and training session delivered by Lucky2BHere's Glasgow training team.
The device at PACE is the 1000th public access defibrillator put in place by the Scottish medical charity.
Colleen Lupton, operations manager for PACE said: “We were delighted to be chosen as recipients for this defibrillator, supplied and fitted by Lucky2BeHere, who do inspiring work in communities.
“We work with large numbers of young people and their families every week in our venue, as well as welcoming audiences into our theatre regularly, and the safety of anyone who uses our building is absolutely paramount to us."
“Thanks to our position in a shopping centre, it will also be easily accessible for anyone using the Paisley centre who is in need," added Colleen.
“Our staff are first aid trained and qualified, but we know that in an emergency situation being able to quickly access this equipment could prove critical.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Kyle, and others like him, for his incredible fundraising efforts, which mean we now have access to this life-saving equipment.”
Colin and PC Reid, who have shared interests, have continued to keep in touch since the life-changing incident - which PC Reid said has made him more aware of checking where defibrillators are located.
Colin walked with PC Reid for six holes during the challenge last summer at Elderslie Golf Club where the cop is a member.
PC Reid was also joined by three friends for each round, with all four rounds taking 16 and a half hours to complete.
“We touch base regularly and Colin will send over pictures of him and his wife out on days out,” explained the police officer, who said it is a nice feeling to see Colin now out enjoying life.
“It puts things into perspective.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here