Glasgow Yorkhill resident spearheads defibrillator installation

Gurmeet Mattu, a long-term local of Glasgow’s Yorkhill, spearheaded the installation of a defibrillator outside his home, Overnewton Court, in the city’s West End.

After coming up with the idea following a BBC Breakfast segment on the life-saving equipment, Gurmeet said: “This will save lives. I hope it is never needed, but I know it’s a good thing.

“I remember thinking that we didn’t have a defibrillator and the closest one was about 100 yards away and was all dusty.

“After asking the residents in the block if they wanted one installed, they were all on board and thought it was a good idea.

“It’s my greatest achievement yet.”

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The threat of historical family illnesses also led to Gurmeet’s honourable mission.

The 67-year-old, who claims to be 'ancient', explained: “I’ve got a history of heart problems, so someday, I may need that defibrillator.

“My dad died of heart problems and my brother had a heart attack recently.

“My heart is healthy for some reason, but if it is generic, I may need that equipment.”

Yorkhill Housing Association services manager, Grant Kennedy, has said that the installation has left him feeling ‘proud’.

He said: “I’m proud of them all.

“They identified a need for them and the wider community, and from that, they’re helping themselves and their neighbours.

“It’s good to see tenants do things for themselves, and this will be a visible, free-to-use device, which will be available 24/7. It’s just great.”

Grant added that locals passing by the housing scheme have said the life-saving addition ‘is really good’, especially for its visibility.

In order to meet the £1,000 quote for the defibrillator, Gurmeet and residents got to work with hosting burger and curry nights as well as selling football cards, in a bid to raise the essential funds.

After making around £250 and Yorkhill Housing Association putting forward the same, the last £500 was sorted thanks to Councillor Angus Millar of the Glasgow City Council.

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Councillor Millar, who represents the nearby Anderston, Finnieston and Yorkhill areas, said: “Community defibrillators can save lives in an emergency and the work done by local residents to bring this facility to Yorkhill is commendable.

“I am delighted that the Council’s Local Area Partnership has been able to support this important initiative, complementing the community’s fundraising efforts.

“This is a really important emergency resource for Yorkhill and while we all hope it will never have to be used, it’s great to see the community come together to support its installation.”

The defibrillator is based at Overnewton Court on Overnewton Street, Yorkhill.

For more information on purchasing a defibrillator, click HERE