Firefighters hot foot it for island defib

Lismore firefighters tackled flamin’ hot temperatures to get more lifesaving kit for the island.

The crew’s eight-mile march from one end of the island to the other on sizzling Saturday while wearing full kit and steel protective boots smashed their £2,000 target to buy a defibrillator for the ferry waiting room at Point, taking the total to just over £3,400 – so far.

Volunteer firefighter Kirsty Wright, who is a shepherd on Lismore and also is on call for the Appin station when she works at a B&B on the mainland, came up with the challenge and was joined by seven others – including Colin MacLean-Fleming who carried his breathing apparatus kit all the way – despite is weighing an 20 extra kilos.

“The new defib should arrive in the next couple of weeks in time for the island’s busiest season, when the ferry is heaving with daytrippers,” said Kirsty, who recently passed a fire and rescue service assessment to take charge at an incident.

Money leftover will be used for the machine’s upkeep and to buy a replacement battery. The island has another public access defib at the community hall.

Lismore’s crew commander Simon Lewis said: “We all think the world of Kirsty for organising this challenge and pushing it through. At 24 she’s our youngest member. Well done to the team and thank you everyone who supported us.”

The rolls, teas and ice creams from the community were also appreciated along the way as the day got hotter.

You can still donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/islandpublicaedfundraiser