A KILWINNING gym duo have thanked the community for coming together in support of their "live-saving" fundraiser.
Roy Blakely and Cameron Blades from Mission:FIT took on a remarkable fundraising challenge at the end of May in a bid to fund the installation of a publicly accessible defibrillator at the Alexandra Terrace facility.
From 11am on Saturday, May 30, to 12pm on Sunday, May 31, the pair put on their running shoes and pounded the pavements.
They ran two kilometres every hour, for the full 25-hour period, to make up a total of 50km covered during that time.
Dozens joined the pair at various times across the two days, including Grado kicking things off, while many more offered donations to support their cause.
Almost £3,000 was raised overall which has helped Roy and Cameron deliver on their ambition for the fundraiser.
Two defibrillators have now been purchased, one of which is stored in an outdoor cabinet to provide 24/7 access.
Further support from local medical equipment supplier Kudos Awards has meant that the Mission:FIT team can do even more.
The business has thrown in some incredible extras including a rescue kit for both devices, a catastrophic haemorrhage kit, replacement pads for one defib and five years of support in maintaining the life-saving equipment.
Though the good news did not stop there. Thanks to careful budgeting and help from Kudos Awards and Mark Scott training, the duo managed to secure another portable defib and training on how to operate this.
Instead of basing this at Mission:FIT, the team have opted to 'pay it forward' and engage with another local community group.
This will give them access to lifesaving equipment, along with installation support, training opportunities, ongoing guidance and discounts on future accessories.
Roy and Cameron commented: "From day one, our goal has been simple: make every pound work as hard as possible and leave a lasting legacy for our community.
"To everyone who donated, shared our fundraiser, came to events, tackled the 50km in 25 hours challenge, volunteered, cheered us on or supported us in any way - thank you.
"This wasn’t just fundraising. This was our community coming together to create something that could genuinely save lives.
"You raised the money. We made every pound count."
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