The tragic death of a 42-year-old man in front of his daughter has roused a nearby funeral firm to campaign for an accessible defibrillator.
After collapsing from a heart attack in June this year on Rutherglen Main Street the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The tragedy spurred a nearby family business, Mitchell's Funeral Directors, to campaign for a defibrillator on Main Street that can be accessed 24/7.
Liam Mitchell, a director at Mitchell's, told the Glasgow Times that there are two defibrillators in Rutherglen, one in the shopping centre and one in the Town Hall.
But both are only available to access during business hours and must be retrieved by a staff member.
Liam said: "When the gentleman passed away on Main Street, someone had run into the arcade to get the defibrillator.
"But they couldn't find the security guard to open the defib box to get it.
"I think he could have been saved if they were able to access it, that's why we are fundraising for one on the street that can be accessed 24 hours a day."
Liam claimed that the man had been with his young daughter at the time, something that had deeply affected the community.
He added: "Three people have collapsed with heart attacks in the area since the summer."
To get the life-saving equipment installed on Main Street, Mitchell's Funeral Directors need to raise around £3,000.
On October 27, the firm will be hosting a fundraising night with live music, bingo, raffles, and games at Legends Bar in Cambuslang.
Tickets cost £15 and include a glass of prosecco on arrival, a buffet, and a bingo booklet.
A number of companies have donated prizes including an overnight stay at the Clayton Hotel Glasgow.
Irene Mitchell, also a director at Mitchell's, said: "The most important thing is that it has to be accessible 24/7 and we will need a business on Main Street to volunteer to install it."
Liam added: "We're accepting raffle prize donations as well."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.15pm on Thursday, June 15, 2023, police were called to assist the Scottish Ambulance Service after a man took unwell on Main Street, Rutherglen.
“The man was pronounced dead at the scene and next of kin are aware. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”
To find out more or to book tickets, call Mitchell's Funeral Directors at 0141-647-3040.
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