02-06-2025
Glasgow pupil raises £400 for school defibrillator
Angelo Jack, a pupil at St Denis' Primary School in Dennistoun, raised £402 by completing a sponsored 5k run around Glasgow Green.
The young fundraiser was determined to leave a lasting legacy at his school before moving on to secondary education.
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Angelo said: "As this is my final year at St Denis' Primary School in Dennistoun, Glasgow, I wanted to do something good for the school and make the place feel safer – not just for the learners (and my wee brother) and staff but also for the local Dennistoun community.
"I am very happy about this and feel very proud that I have achieved a really important life-saving device for my school."
Angelo's efforts come at a crucial time.
Around 1,062 schools in Scotland - four in every 10 - still don't have access to a defibrillator.
Research shows that using one within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest can increase survival chances from nine per cent to up to 50 per cent.
Angelo said his project was inspired by the lack of funding for defibrillators, and he was supported every step of the way by his school's depute head teacher, Mrs Johnston, as well as his peers, local businesses, and charity partners.
(Image: Supplied)
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Among the generous sponsors was George Bruce, chief executive of First Steps To Construction, who donated £100, while Angelo's friend and former St Denis' pupil Jack contributed £50.
The remaining cost of the defibrillator was covered by St John Scotland, a charity committed to improving emergency response capabilities in local communities.
Angelo said: "I have had parents, carers, and younger pupils from the school telling me how much I have made awareness to them and also educated them about the facts and benefits of having this device.
'My wee school is the best wee school in Glasgow.'
Thanks to Angelo's determination and community support, St Denis' Primary School - and the wider Dennistoun area - now has access to a vital piece of life-saving equipment.
