Lucy Fraser, former operator of Ben Lomond Cottage in Rowardennan, has raised over £1,000 in one week through a crowd-funding appeal for a lifesaving defibrillator to be installed and maintained near the popular Ben Lomond footpath and West Highland Way.
The majority of the funds were donated by Fraser’s previous guests who had stayed with her while walking the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William and climbing Ben Lomond, one of Scotland’s most popular hill climbs.
The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs charity was able to contribute a grant of £750 from funds raised through their Friends of OUR Park visitor giving scheme by local businesses such as Cruise Loch Lomond and St Mocha Coffee Shop. Additionally, Trossachs Search and Rescue were called in to install and maintain the defibrillator, which has now been purchased and placed at Rowardennan.
“This is a very popular visitor destination, and with the increasing number of walking enthusiasts, I wanted to improve public safety with the provision of a life-saving defibrillator,” said Fraser. “I was overwhelmed by the response to my online funding appeal, and I’m grateful for the support from the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and Trossachs Search and Rescue for making this happen so quickly.”
James Fraser, Chair of the Friends, said, “I have nothing but praise for Lucy who took the initiative to raise funds for a lifesaving defibrillator at such a busy outdoor recreation spot. It’s great that Trossachs Search & Rescue have agreed to regularly maintain the defibrillator, which is making the National Park a safer place for the millions of visitors who enjoy the special scenic qualities of the area.”
