Derry man raises funds to buy defibrillator for community gym 

Derry man, Malcolm Burns, ran a Saturday Gym Challenge at his local gym, The Unit Gym and Fitness in Campsie, alongside gym owner, Gareth King, to raise money for a defibrillator in the gym.

Malcolm saw the fundraiser, which Gareth initiated, as a key opportunity to donate or sponsor the defibrillator. The company Malcolm works for EDS HV- a division of James Fisher Renewables- and their sister company Martek Lifecare, heard about his fundraiser and donated a defibrillator free of charge.

As a result of the generosity of the companies and the community, Malcolm was granted the decision as to what charity the proceeds should be donated to instead, and the £750 raised was donated to The British Heart Foundation, a charity close to Malcolm's heart.

Speaking to the Derry News, Malcolm- a high voltage specialist at James Fisher Renewables- said the new defibrillator ensures the peace of mind of his fellow gym-goers.

Malcolm explained: "Access to public defibrillators has increased over the last few years, but more can be done – particularly in gym and fitness settings, where risks can be greater.

"My father had a history of heart illness and passed away of a heart attack after multiple heart attacks. Also, one of my good friends, who played with me at City of Derry Rugby Club, died about a month after my dad.

"If we had a defibrillator, it may not have saved them, but it may have helped. On the back of that, back in 2005, I was heavily involved in fundraisers at the rugby matches.

"We raised enough money to buy a defibrillator for our rugby club and a local over 40s rugby team. It has always been something in my mind."

Malcolm explained that the gym is very aware of the importance of the defibrillator and he hopes to spread this awareness across the community.

"Gareth and the other PTs are very switched on and they know that pushing the safety aspects of the gym is so important," he continued. "I am not a spring chicken anymore, it is nice to know there is comfort in the fact that there is a life saving device there for everyone.

"As Gareth King said, it is one of those things that we're delighted to have but we hope that  we never use it."

Owner of The Unit Gym and Fitness, Gareth, added: "With approximately 100 members and for enhanced customer safety, the installation of a defibrillator was viewed as an essential purchase for the business; a must have to ensure in the event of a critical emergency we were correctly positioned.

"We had a members fundraising day organised, however through the generous help of Malcolm Burns, and his employer EDS HV Group, we were kindly donated one.

"Due to this very kind donation, we were able to donate £750 that was raised on the fundraising day to the British Heart Foundation.

"We hope our De-Fib now sits and gathers dust never to be utilised, however it’s comforting to know we now have this vital life saving piece of kit accessible on site."