Glenn is a lifesaver for Shantallow as he installs defibrillator in community

Glenn Wray (20), with the support of those who donated funds and local businesses, raised £1500 in just four weeks to purchase, install and pay for the upkeep of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), which is used when a person experiences a sudden cardiac arrest.

Glenn told the ‘Journal’ he has ‘always had a desire to help people’ and at the age of six, he followed in his brother’s footsteps by joining the St John Ambulance ‘Badgers’ in Greenhaw Primary School.

He then made his way into the St John Ambulance Cadets (Northlands) and under the leadership of Linda Heaney, was part of a team crowned top first aiders in 2016 at national competitions.

Glenn told how, from a young age, he was aware of the importance of first aid and how it can save a person’s life.

“Fourteen years on from when I first joined, I’m now part of the St. John Ambulance Northern District Youth Team. Being involved with young people and inspiring the next generation of lifesavers is very rewarding and something that I take great pride in.

“ I always say: ‘If you change the life of one person, that one person can change the lives of millions.’ We never really understand how small actions can make a massive impact on the lives of other. Therefore, being able to volunteer hundreds of hours to helping people in my community is a privilege as I don’t know what impact I’ve made on other people.”

Glenn was recently accepted into the University of Portsmouth to study Paramedic Science, something he is very excited about, but which is also ‘bittersweet’ as it means he won’t be able to volunteer as much in his local community.

“I’m really excited to meet new friends, learn new skills and develop myself. I definitely have my parents to thank for always pushing me and encouraging me to do my very best and without the support of them I don’t know where I would be.

“Therefore, with this in mind, when I move to England, I will not be able to volunteer the same amount of time in my community as I have previously done. This is when I got the idea of getting an AED in place in Shantallow. I would still be able to help people without actually being there.”

He explained how an AED device is used when a person experiences a sudden cardiac arrest and it delivers an electrical shock to regain a normal heartbeat.

“For an area that is highly populated, having an AED that would be available 24/7 in Shantallow would be essential. It is a gesture that is so small that can have the most impact on the community.”

Glenn set up a JustGiving page asking the community to help him raise £1500 to purchase the AED and allow for the upkeep of the device. He was delighted with the response.

“It took a total of four weeks from me coming up with the idea to the device being put in action. The AED is currently placed at the Shantallow Car wash in a locked cabinet and under CCTV. It is also registered with the emergency services under ‘the circuit’, so if you require access to it you phone 999, ask for the ambulance, tell them your location and they will provide you with the code that will grant you access to it.”

This AED is also adapted for children and Glenn had committed to fundraising every two years to ensure the upkeep of the device, to change the pads and the battery.

“It feels great to be able to give back to the community especially at a time when many young people are viewed under a negative light.”

He thanked everyone for their support.

“I would like to thank all of those that have been supportive the whole way through this journey; those who have donated on the JustGiving page, family and friends, those businesses that donated (Home Hampers, Daly’s bar and Bistro, Easi-Med, Flower Craft and Design and Garden vogue, AF car components), Jim McGeady, Kenny Crockett, Dee and finally to Hugo’s and Tony’s for putting up collection tins in their shop.

“ A special thanks goes out to Chris and his landlord of Shantallow Car Wash for providing the AED Access point and to Greg McDaid for fitting the AED Cabinet onto the wall. You are all lifesavers!”