A life-saving defibrillator has been unveiled in memory of a Stewarton woman who collapsed and died on a run at the age of 42.

Situated outside Gallagher Pharmacy on Hamilton Street, Saltcoats the device was made possible through a generous donation by Tennents (C & C Group) in memory of their beloved former colleague, Laura Henderson.

Laura, originally from Stewarton, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in March 2021. Since their tragic loss, Laura’s friends and family have worked to honour her memory and leave a legacy in the local area and beyond. 

Stephen Dickson and David Adams of C & C Group spearheaded fundraising efforts for the defibrillator by participating in a Strava challenge. 

The Saltcoats defibrillator was unveiled recently by St John Scotland and the Royal British Legion Scotland Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston Branch.

St John Scotland CPR lead, Brian Gibson, then conducted a follow-up CPR and defibrillator awareness training session, attended by members of the Legion at Lodge St John RA Saltcoats & Ardrossan No 320.

Stephen said: "Laura was a shining light in the Tennents organisation, her infectious enthusiasm touched so many colleagues and customers, and her bubbly personality will be remembered by us all.

"We felt the challenge was a fitting way to celebrate Laura's memory and raise funds and awareness for such a fantastic charity. If we can help to save one life, it will mean so much."

Jess Duncan, chair of St John Scotland Ayrshire and Arran, said: “Laura’s death was a tragedy for her family and friends, but it’s been so comforting to see everyone coming together in her memory to raise funds and raise awareness of cardiac arrest, to prevent more people going through the same heartbreak.   

“It’s been an honour for us to work with Laura’s family, friends and colleagues at Tennent’s, to provide defibrillators with the funds they have raised."

Brian Gibson added: "We know that performing CPR and having easy access to a defibrillator can make a significant difference to someone’s chances of surviving a cardiac arrest. So, we hope by helping delivering CPR training and showing local communities how easy it is to use a defibrillator, we can work together to save lives.’’

The unveiling of this defibrillator in Saltcoats serves as a poignant reminder of Laura's enduring spirit and the lasting impact she made on those around her. It stands as a beacon of hope, ready to save lives and empower the local community.