Inverness couple present a golden gift to the community at Cradlehall
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A couple who collected donations at their Golden Wedding celebrations have presented two defibrillators for community use in Cradlehall.
Marlene and Hugh Munro made the unusual request for donations instead of presents and were overwhelmed with the response.
Instead of raising enough money for one machines, as they had hoped, they in fact raised more than £1600 – enough for two.
These have now been installed outside Three Little Bakers and Scotmid in Cradlehall.
Mrs Munro said: “I was at a meeting of Cradlehall and Westhill Community Council and the idea of getting a defibrillator for the area was discussed. A man from Lucky 2 Be Here, a defibrillator health charity, came along and showed us the machine and talked about how important it is for them to be easily accessible.
“I asked them if it would be acceptable for Hugh and I to raise the money, and the community council agreed it would be OK.”
For their golden wedding anniversary party, the couple had a dinner dance with 100 friends who made donations. Mrs Munro said: “We enjoyed a meal and then Scottish country dancing. It has been a passion our whole married life.
“We met at the dancing and we have danced our whole lives together.”
It was not the first time the couple have decided to forgo presents. For their silver and ruby wedding anniversary parties they made donations to other charities.
When asked what the secret of a strong and successful marriage was, Mrs Munro said: “Having shared interests”.
As well as dancing, the couple also share an interest in sheep dog trials.
