The needed funds were raised in just one month, highlighting the local community support for the addition of a defibrillator at the location
A defibrillator has been installed on the Blueway in Athy, following fundraising by six individuals.
Athy native Johnathan Robinson, along with Andy Coughlan, Paul Whelan, Kevin Moran and Stephen May, raised the €1,600 needed for the defibrillator and heated cabinet that is now available for use at the Dilly Dally coffee shop along the Blueway.
Speaking on this morning's Kildare Today, Mr. Robinson explained that since joining the Community First Responders in Carlow, he saw the number of cardiac arrests where community defibrillators were used.
"My parents live on the Blueway, and every week I'm out there", he explained.
"I'm seeing walkers, runners, cyclists, people on boats and there's no defibrillator out there. The closest one would be at Castlemitchell GFC".
Noting the lack of vehicular access along the canal, Mr. Robinson questioned how an ambulance would be able to attend the scene of a cardiac arrest along the Blueway.
He approached the owner's of the Dilly Dally coffee shop, who agreed to mount the defibrillator on their building once funds were raised.
The needed funds were raised in just one month, highlighting the local community support for the addition of a defibrillator at the location.
The defibrillator was installed on the Blueway in Athy over the weekend.
Fundraising was stopped as soon as the men reached the necessary funding, however they are still taking part in the Tinryland Village Half Marathon in May.
Johnathan Robinson (far left), along with members of the fundraising group. Photo via JR Robinson on Facebook
Johnathan (right) pictured with Community Paramedic Peter Reynolds. Photo via JR Robinson on Facebook
The full interview with Johnathan Robinson can be listened to below:
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