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Fife woman uses terrifying experience of dad’s sudden illness to provide life-saving equipment

Kathleen was joined at the unveiling by her parents Bill and Kitty O'Neill, Stephen Stewart from East Neuk First Responders and Kellie Charletta, manager of the Bonnybank Inn. Image: Kathleen Snaddon
Kathleen was joined at the unveiling by her parents Bill and Kitty O'Neill, Stephen Stewart from East Neuk First Responders and Kellie Charletta, manager of the Bonnybank Inn. Image: Kathleen Snaddon

A Fife woman has opened up about how her father’s near-death experience inspired her to fundraise for life-saving equipment in his village.

Kathleen Snaddon raised almost £2,000 for a defibrillator in Bonnybank, Levenmouth, after her elderly father took ill in the night and had no access to one.

The 58-year-old told how she was spurred into action when her mum couldn’t access the nearest defibrillator to help dad, Bill O’Neill, when he had a heart problem on New Year’s Eve.

Now, thanks to her fundraising and support from the community, a defibrillator has been installed at the Bonnybank Inn.

Kathleen said: “Dad became seriously ill in the early hours of New Year’s Eve and I had to call for an ambulance.

“While I was on the phone and waiting for an ambulance to arrive we were advised to find our nearest public access defibrillator.

“The nearest defibrillator was less than a mile away from mum and dad, however they and their neighbours have no access to a car.

“My husband and I live in Methil and didn’t know where it was.

“When we arrived at the house I saw my dad lying on the floor and genuinely thought he was going to die.

“I felt distraught and it was very scary.”

Kathleen with her father, Bill O’Neill. Image: Kathleen Snaddon

“I phoned my sister who is a nurse and ensured we remained calm as we waited for the ambulance.

“Thankfully, dad has recovered but I felt that something must be done in case there are any further medical emergencies in the area involving people who may not be able to drive.

“I decided to start fundraising to have a defibrillator put up in the area to allow residents the best opportunity to help a loved one in such circumstances.”

Dipping for a defibrillator in Bonnybank

Kathleen set up a JustGiving page for members of the community to donate but wanted to do even more.

One of her hobbies is swimming so for three months Kathleen posted daily updates on the page of her trips in the water, which she called her “daily dip for a defib”.

So far, Kathleen has raised £1,760 which has paid for the defibrillator, which was installed on Thursday and leftover cash will be used to maintain the equipment, as well as a donation to the Ambulance Staff Charity.

Kathleen also thanked local people, businesses and groups who supported her efforts.

She added: “There has been lots of support and I think a number of people didn’t know where there nearest defibrillator is.

“The defibrillator was sourced through East Neuk First Responders who have been excellent throughout the process.

“My daughter works for William Grant & Sons [distiller] and they kindly matched the amount of money that has been raised.

“Richard and Rebecca Hamilton, owners of the Bonnybank Inn also made a generous donation and agreed to have the defibrillator installed on their building.”

On Thursday afternoon Kathleen unveiled the new defibrillator outside the Bonnybank Inn, accompanied by her parents and a volunteer from East Neuk First Responders.

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