6:57am Tuesday 14th July 2009
By Lewis Cowen
Members of North Wilts Golf Club have been working with the British Heart Foundation to buy a defibrillator in memory of late member Barrie “Tiny” Spires.
Squadron Leader Spires, called Tiny because of his 6ft 6in frame, suffered a fatal heart attack on the course last August.
Club member Doug Downing, who tried in vain to resuscitate Mr Spires, has pioneered efforts to acquire a defibrillator together with committee member Alan Slade.
The lifesaving equipment, which treats people suffering from cardiac arrest, has been funded through the efforts of the club, who have raised £745 towards the £1,490 total cost. The money was raised at a special golf event in June.
The BHF provided the other 50 per cent.
North Wilts professional Graham Laing said: “We are very pleased that the BHF helped us obtain this vital piece of equipment. Members and visitors’ safety has been increased significantly by the arrival of our defibrillator.
“We would like to thank all of the volunteers at the club that helped to raise the money and the BHF for making it possible.”
Paul Bancroft, Wiltshire volunteer fundraising manager for BHF, said: “We would like to thank the members of North Wilts Golf Club for their support of the BHF and we’re delighted that their efforts have enabled us to help provide a defibrillator for the club.
“We hope it never has to be used, but if it does lives will be saved as a result.”
Mr Spires was 60 and lived at Sutton Benger. He leaves a widow, Sandy, and two sons, Toby, a policeman in Brighton, and Dean, 25, who works in London.
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