Rural community is raising funds for locally accessible defibrillators

Most heart attacks and cardiac arrests occur at home, and the Townawilly community near Donegal Town is raising money to have defibrillators accessible throughout the area.

At the recent Annual General Meeting, it was noted that there were no accessible defibrillators within the community which takes in a large portion of the shores of Lough Eske, stretching towards Barnesmore.

A fundraiser was launched with a target of €4,000.

A spokesperson for Townawilly Community Centre committee said: “It is the committee's intention to obtain at least two defibrillators to have at various points within the community and accessible to all.

“The funds raised will purchase the units and train 40 individuals within the community to correctly use these devices. 

“These devices could help or save a life of any community member.

“Has anyone in your family experienced a heart attack or cardiac arrest? Could you help them in an emergency?

“Every day in Ireland, 12 to 15 people will go into cardiac arrest outside of the hospital and the sooner we recognise this event and commence CPR while someone gets a defibrillator to the casualty, the greater the chances of survival.

“By having publicly and community accessible defibrillators, we can try to keep a casualty alive while the emergency services are on their way.

“Let's make our community a safer environment for our families and friends. These machines really do make a difference, and by supporting this cause, so can you!”

There has been a very positive response to the fundraiser which is being hosted on the GoFundMe platform. With €1,000 raised in the first week alone, it has now reached €2,700, edging ever closer to the €4,000 target. 

Anyone who would like to donate can go to GoFundMe.com and search for and type Townawilly & Surrounding Area’s Community Defibrillators into the search bar.

Much has been done in recent times to breathe new life into the Townawilly Community Centre which is located in the old Townawilly school. There has been a fantastic programme of events and gatherings for people of all ages. 

This latest initiative and the support shown to it so far really shows that the health and wellbeing of its people matter to this community above all else.