The family of a Lanarkshire man who died at a local petrol station have raised thousands of pounds to install a defibrillator in his memory.
Alexander McCrae, from Cleland, stopped off at the Peggy White’s filing station in Newhouse to fill his car up before a family trip to Blackpool.
Tragically, Alexander collapsed in the forecourt and, despite the best efforts of staff, died at the age of 66.
A statement, from Alexander’s family, said: “Our husband, father and papa was a kind and gentle caring man.
“He worked as a builder most of his life, often leaving home at 5am and not returning till late evening.
“This was until he had an accident that meant his working life was over. He moved from that to family life, enjoying his life as it was with his wife kids and grandkids.
“His favourite part of most days were his grandkids arriving and perching on his knee. He spent his days looking after is big dog Zaska and helped whenever he could. He didn’t like a fuss and never complained about anything.
“We all loved him dearly and he will never be forgotten.”
After discussions with the family it was decided to raise money to buy a defibrillator for Peggy White’s in Alexander’s memory and the fundraising drive began.
Alexander’s widow Ena said: “The grandkids walked from Shotts up to Peggy White’s which is around five miles and raised nearly £1200.
“That is the only good thing to come out of all of this. If we can stop this happening to another family then it will make us feel better.”
The couple’s daughter, Karen added: “My partner Max ran 14 miles from our home in Stoneyburn to Peggy White’s. All of dad’s family and friends have been chipping in.
“We now have enough money to buy a defib for the petrol station and we are also hoping to get two portable devices although we are still not sure where they will be going.”
Peggy White’s manager Tony Gormley continued: “After speaking with his family we have decided to fundraise for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which hopefully will never be needed.
“We decided to do this in the hope that if something happens again the person involved has a better chance of surviving.
“When installed the device will be marked with a dedication plaque to Mr McCrae. Any donation big or small helps to save a life.
“His grandkids have raised £1200 already thanks to a sponsored walk which is incredible.
“I spoke to Alexander’s family to offer my condolences and we gave them a copy of the CCTV where he was laughing and joking with our members of staff just before he collapsed.
“That’s the kind of person he was. He was a lovely man.”
You can donate to the fund by logging onto https://www.aeddonate.org.uk/projects/23-411/?
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