Scots boost for Gallacher campaign

Picture courtesy of Scotsman Publications.

Bernard Gallacher’s ambition of installing a live-saving defibrillator in every golf club in the UK has received a huge boost in recent days with the issue gaining support from the Scottish Government.

First Minister Alex Salmond referred to the ex-Ryder Cup captain’s defibrillator campaign when questioned at Holyrood before announcing a £100,000 investment to increase the number of public access defibrillators across Scotland.

Salmond also met Gallacher (pictured with Gallacher below alongside Chic Brodie) at the Scottish Parliament to hear more about his plans along with Dr Kyle Phillpots, the joint chief operating officer of the PGA and Brian Mair, secretary of the PGA in Scotland.

Gallacher, who is now playing golf again, also returned to West Lothian this week to hand over one of the devices to his boyhood club, Bathgate while he attended another presentation at Cawder Golf Club.

The campaign was only launched in December after the 65-year-old’s health scare last August when only the use of a defibrillator kept him alive but it has struck a chord with clubs across the UK.

Already more than 60 have signed up to support Gallacher’s scheme with clubs encouraged to stage a fundraising competition to help purchase the defibrillators.

And such has been the interest that the date to register has been extended to April 30. Clubs signing up to the Arrythmia Alliance backed campaign receive access to a discount price on the defibrillators plus information and advice on how to use one plus a raft of ideas on running a fundraising competition.

Gallacher, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Scottish Golf in Glasgow, presented the defibrillator to Bathgate vice captain Martin McClory (above, top of page).

“It doesn’t look much – but it saves lives,” said Gallacher.

The defibrillator was funded by an anonymous donation by one of the main backers of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation and Bernard was joined by wife Lesley, mum Millie, brother Jim and nephew Stephen’s wife, Helen.

“Bathgate have been quick off the mark to get a defibrillator thanks to the donation through Stephen’s Foundation and it’s always good to be back here. The course has changed a lot but every time I come through the tunnel I think back to the time when I played here as a 12-year-old.”

Clubs interested in signing up to run a fundraising competition can find out more at www.defibssavelives.org