All that glittered raised money for Lihou defibrillator
LIHOU now has its own defibrillator, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Glitter Girls.
Its installation had been delayed due to the coronavirus, as well as problems with the solar power on the island.
But now that it is in place, anyone who might find themselves in a situation where they are having a cardiac arrest and need a defibrillator will have access to one on Lihou.
The Glitter Girls, which consists of fire safety officer Nickie Browning, her sister, Natalie Gilman, and her friend, Sara Mallett, raised the money for the £3,000 defibrillator at last year’s West Show by adorning people, including several police officers, with glitter.
Ms Browning said the money was also raised thanks to a donation from law firm Randell & Loveridge, of which Ms Mallett is a partner, and another donation from Guernsey Round Table.
‘We’re thrilled to have this installed now and so grateful to have so many people involved in it,’ she said.
‘It’s helped ensure that if something did happen, especially if the tide was in on the island, then they would have this.
‘It could save someone’s life.’
Cardiac Action Group’s Gerry Le Roy emphasised the importance of having the defibrillator available and operational.
‘Last year there were five incidents that needed to use one of these sites,’ she said.
‘It’s brilliant to now have one here. It’ll be really important during the night time and when it’s difficult to get across.’
The Bailiwick has 83 public access defibrillator sites.
In addition, nearly 2,500 people have been trained.
Lihou warden Steve Sarre said: ‘It’s been a long time coming, what with resolving the solar problems, but we finally got it up and running.
‘It means a lot as it can be quite remote here and could take a long time for help to get over.
‘Speed is of the essence and it has the potential to save someone’s life.’
Plans are being formulated to conduct a training exercise on Lihou on what to do in an emergency, if someone was taken ill and needed to be evacuated.
. The Cardiac Action Group is also encouraging anyone who wants free training to get in touch with it.
. For information and to contact, visit https://cag.org.gg/contact/
