MORE than £2,000 has been raised by Moray Council staff to help a local charity buy defibrillators.
Keiran’s Legacy was set up following 16 year-old Keiran McKandie’s death in 2016. The charity provides defibrillators in the local area, and so far around 20 defibrillators have been purchased and placed in police vehicles, several in local communities and one in Elgin Academy, where Keiran was a pupil.
David Sweeney, an architectural assistant within the council’s housing and property section, organised a ‘dress down day’. Those taking part in the monthly dress down day donated £2 each time, and in the last year have raised £200 for the charity.
David said: “Lots of people here knew Keiran, know the family or have kids that age themselves. It’s a charity that’s very close to our hearts.”
Meanwhile, Ian Walker and Shaun Kerr, from the council’s estates section, took part in a coast-to-coast cycling challenge. Named Lighthouse2Lighthouse, the endurance event last June raised £2,100 for Keiran’s Legacy.
The duo set off from Ardnamurchan and endured heavy showers at the start of the challenge, which eased off and a tail wind saw them ahead of schedule and able to conserve some energy for the gruelling 236 mile cycle. The pair were supported by colleague, Stewart Taylor, who ensured they were well fed and on hand to repair any bike-related faults.
“Neither of us suffered any mechanical breakdowns, but sitting on a bike all day did take its toll on our bodies. Stiff and sore shoulders became the norm, with liberal reapplication of Chamois cream on the more delicate body parts to minimise aches, pains and chafing,” they said.
Having passed through Aviemore at 7pm and continuing on their journey north, they arrived at Boddam Lighthouse at 4.41am and gratefully received a dram before Shaun stripped to his boxers and braved a plunge in the North Sea.
Keiran’s mum, Sandra, visited Moray Council’s HQ in Elgin to receive the cheques for £200 and £2,100 respectively.
She said: “As Keiran’s advocate, I want to sincerely thank all the staff for everything they’ve been doing to raise money.
“This is about Keiran contributing to society and how he continues to make a difference even though he isn’t here anymore – that’s just the type of lad he was.
“I think a lot of people knew Keiran and he has touched a lot of people’s hearts, many that we weren’t even aware of. He just loved life, sports and people – he was always smiling.”
One defibrillator including training, a prep kit and secure casing, costs around £1,500. Those interested in fundraising for Keiran’s Legacy you can get in touch by emailing keiranslegacy@outlook.com. Sandra is currently putting a team of walkers together for Aberdeen’s kiltwalk later this year.
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Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.
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