A group of lads from a Glasgow Boys' Brigade group are gearing up to run the Santa dash to raise money for a defibrillator to be installed in the centre of their local community.
The 162nd company section, based at Carntyne and Cranhill church, are aiming to raise £1,500 for the life-saving equipment which they intend to station in the church grounds on Carntyne Road in Glasgow's east end.
Boys between ages 11 and 16, along with two of their group leaders, are set to take on the city centre run, with this year being the first time it has been held in three years due to the pandemic, which will be held on Sunday, December 11.
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Officer in charge, James Little, told Glasgow Live: "It really started as the boys having to do something for their community for one of their badges and this seemed like an idea that could be really good for the locals. They've been really involved from the start and researching to see how exactly we'd do something like this and if there was a need for it.
"They all really wanted to do something that would add to their local community and have a lasting impact, and this defibrillator would be placed essentially in the heart of it. They really are such a credit and a bunch of really good young boys.
"We spoke to a couple of other businesses who have defibrillators on their premises and they say now and again they do just get people who run up, open the box and run away again so they're clearly being used.
"If we help even one person with this the boys will be so thrilled, it's life-saving equipment. Through our research we found that the nearest defibrillator that is open 24 hours is two miles away which obviously isn't ideal - in a situation where one is needed, it's needed quickly so we really hope it will help someone."
The group have been training in the evenings, running between three and five kilometres to train for the dash. A JustGiving page has been set up and has so fair raised over £300 with other donations made in person meaning the group have just under £1000 to go until they meet their target.
James added: "The boys were a bit daunted by such a big amount of money to raise and really doubted they would make it. But now, seeing how much they've raised already, they really are hopeful about doing it.
"Someone from a charity, London Hearts, down south got in touch and offered us a discount when we're ready to buy the defibrillator. It's really raised their spirits and made them believe in themselves. The support they've had from the church and other boys brigades has also been amazing."
The group hopes to have the defibrillator in place by the end of their session in May 2023.
You can donate to the JustGiving page here.
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