Sisters aim to save school lives
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Two sisters are aiming to save lives by installing defibrillators in schools.
Paige Glendinning (12), a pupil at Culloden Academy, and her sister Alicia (8) who attends Cradlehall Primary, have organised a night with medium Tommy Goodwin in order to raise funds for the vital equipment for the two schools.
The pair have been hard at work organising the event, which will be held on September 22 at the Chieftain Hotel.
"Our mum got some defibrillator training at work, and there was a man speaking whose 12-year-old son had died," Paige said.
"Then a paramedic said that there was an eight-year-old who had survived because there was a defibrillator there.
"That’s what gave us the idea, because it could happen to anyone."
The sisters have taken on the bulk of the work themselves, encouraging local businesses to get involved in the event.
They have convinced several companies to donate items for the raffle and auction, including Culloden House Hotel, Dalmahoy Golf Course, Boots, Inverness Kart Raceway, Dores Inn, and Drumossie Hotel.
"I’ve been approaching companies and delivering the pitch," Paige said.
"There have been a lot of late nights and it’s been hard but it’s been worth it.
"It’s nice that the companies are giving something to the community. We are very grateful because they have been so generous."
The sisters have been helped along the way by mum Elaine and dad Nigel, but have done most of the work themselves.
"I am very proud of them," Mrs Glendinning said.
"It’s a proactive approach the girls are taking. Hopefully the equipment will never be needed but if it is, it’s there."
The sisters are hopeful that their efforts will inspire others to raise funds to have defibrillators installed in other schools.
"The defibrillators will be there after we have left school," Paige added.
"Even if it saves just one life it’s done its job.
"It would be nice if other children would do the same in their schools."
