Pictured left to right are Tom Prendergast, Erica Prendergast, Linda Prendergast, Niall Malone and Padraig Prendergast who are all helping to fundraise for the defibrillator.

Tullamore man's lucky escape leads to fundraiser

Kayley Hardiman

Published: Fri 21 Apr 2023, 5:05 PM

After a near tragedy when her father's heart stopped while spending time at Tullamore Men's Shed, a local woman has set up a GoFundMe to raise money for a defibrillator for the local group.

Erica Prendergast from Tullamore is hoping to raise €1,500 through GoFundMe to purchase a defibrillator for the men's shed in Tullamore.

Erica's father Tom enjoys going to the men's shed and was there on Tuesday, April 11 when he collapsed and his heart stopped. A woman who was nearby managed to perform CPR on Tom until the ambulance arrived and they used a defibrillator to save him.

Erica added: “My family don't want another family to go through what we went through. There's no defibrillator in the area and we're trying to get as much funding as possible.

The Tullamore woman is also hoping to organising a charity night to raise money for the defibrillator and essential medical kits for the men's shed group. “The men in the men's shed are shook up because they haven't got a defibrillator or any equipment. It could be anyone else's father in the future."

The target of €1,500 would cover the costs for the defibrillator, protective case and extra pads.

To donate, search for 'Defibrillator for Tullamore Mens Shed' on GoFundMe.