Â£2K raised for Carrick school's second defibrillator

Stuart and Sandra Hewitt from Creed Coffee House in Carrick present Jacqueline Stewart, principal, Gwen Robb, former chair of the PTA and Diane Sloan with vouchers and prizes for the quiz. INCT 19-222-AM

Gwen Robb BEM, a former chair of Downshire School PTA, arranged and hosted the evening at Carrickfergus Golf Club.

Although the school already has a defibrillator courtesy of a local businessman, Mrs Robb wanted a second of the potentially live-saving devices that could be taken out with sports teams, school trips and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

The quiz was a resounding success and over £2,000 was raised through ticket sales and the generosity of participants in ballot sales and the auction.

Supporting the fundraiser are Debbie, Cheryl, Chris, Julie, Norma and Julie. INCT 19-223-AM

Principal Jacqueline Stewart extended sincere thanks to Mrs Robb and Mrs Sloan for their “marvellous” organisation of the event.

The head teacher also expressed gratitude to Carrickfergus Golf Club for providing the venue, quizmaster Joe Crozier and “all the generous sponsors who provided ballot prizes and auction items and all who supported Downshire School by attending the event”.

As the Carrick Times reported in March, Downshire was presented with a defibrillator by Jack McCready, Glenkrag Pet Food and Garden Suppliers, whose family has strong ties to the school. Mr McCready’s two children attended Downshire and his grandson is a current pupil.

Research has demonstrated that using a defibrillator in conjunction with administering CPR can increase the survival rate by 50%, allowing time for first responders/paramedics to arrive on the scene.