A former Castlehill Primary pupil who had to undergo heart sur
gery has fundraised to buy an external lifesaving defibrillator for the school.
Megan Thompson wanted to give back to her school after she was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and upon researching heart conditions learned that defibrillators increase the chances of survival by 90% for those in cardiac arrest.
She then set out to raise money to install the equipment in her community in Bearsden by undertaking a bake sale in her garden which resulted in over 400 cakes being sold and a sponsored climb to the top of Ben Lomond, where she played her bagpipes in celebration.
Her hard work paid off and she raised enough to buy a defibrillator which is situated on the gates of Castlehill Primary School and is available to the public 24/7.
Megan said, “I’d like to thank everyone who helped me fundraise; my family have been fantastic as have my neighbours and friends. Bearsden Baptist Church, Castlehill Primary Parent Council, the Castlehill Community and Councillor Cumming have all been very supportive. I’d also like to thank Edward Moore from the British Heart Foundation who has been a great help and East Dunbartonshire Council for adopting the defibrillator and taking care of it.”
In 2019, Megan had just started studying Dentistry at Glasgow University and during a cardiovascular lab, as part of her course, it was discovered there was an issue with her heart rate. She quickly sought medical advice and her planned operation was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She eventually underwent a successful operation in July 2020; however, she was devasted when the cardiologist surgeon who performed her operation passed away suddenly in the weeks after.
Megan added, “'Whilst you hope there is never a need for a defibrillator, in the unfortunate event it is required, it can significantly improve the chances of survival of anyone in cardiac arrest. I will always be grateful to my surgeon for changing my life and for inspiring me to fundraise and campaign for basic life support. I am so pleased we now have a defibrillator accessible 24/7 in the centre of Castlehill.”
The Council helped to install the equipment and will maintain it as it joins the network of defibs installed in a range of Council-owned and operated premises – including community hubs, halls, workplaces, and schools - in December 2023.
Council Leader Gordan Low said, “Megan is to be congratulated on this wonderful achievement for the Castlehill community.
“The Council recognised that a network of defibs was needed throughout East Dunbartonshire and were pleased to be able to roll these out across our estate late last year. But there really can't be too many defibrillators, and it’s been great to see the efforts of local people, groups, and businesses in supporting the wider installation of this vital equipment within our communities.
“Thanks to Megan, this fully accessible defibrillator in the centre of Castlehill may save a life in the unfortunate event someone nearby requires it. It is testament to her that she wanted to help others after going through such a traumatic time of her own. I wish Megan the very best of health and every success in her studies.”
For the latest information on defibrillator locations visit Defib Finder [opens in a new window].