A Moray mum has thanked a couple who dedicated their ruby wedding anniversary towards fundraising for her charity campaign.
Ann and David Jack marked 40 years of marriage in February by having a “magic night” with family and friends at Elgin Bowling Club.
But the pair asked their loved ones not to buy them gifts, but instead donate cash to Gordon and Sandra McKandie’s appeal.
Mr and Mrs McKandie are raising money to install life-saving defibrillator machines in police cars across Scotland.
They launched the campaign in memory of their son Keiran, who died last year after being knocked from his bicycle on the B9010 Kellas to Dallas road.
After learning that the ambulance sent to reach the 16-year-old took 27 minutes to arrive, his parents resolved to equip roads police officers with the devices.
Yesterday, Mr and Mrs Jack explained that they were inspired to help the McKandies because their nephew was also killed in a road collision.
Robert Farquhar, known as “Bellsy”, died aged 26 when his motorcycle collided with a runaway horse between Elgin and Rothes in 1998.
Mrs Jack, 62, said: “As a family, we decided we would like to donate money to the McKandies.”
Mr Jack, 64, added: “Because of what our family has been through, we are aware of how important this sort of kit is.
“We don’t know what Keiran’s parents are going through, but we have an idea of it because of what happened with my sister’s son.”
Mrs Jack was employed as an auxiliary nurse at Elgin’s Dr Gray’s Hospital for 29 years until her retirement last year, while Mr Jack worked offshore.
Mrs McKandie met the couple yesterday for lunch, and presented them with a bouquet of flowers in thanks for their £340 donation.
She said: “I’m blown away by people’s support for what we are doing.
“These are people who never met Keiran, but are helping us to keep his name alive.
“I am so grateful to Mr and Mrs Jack and everyone who has donated funds.”
In February, 10 defibrillators – funded by the McKandies’ ongoing campaign – were installed in police vehicles across the north-east.
Earlier this month, one of the devices played a crucial role in saving the life of a man who suffered a heart attack near Peterhead.
