AN Ayr veterinary practice has recently purchased a heart defibrillator for the local community.

Vets4Pets Ayr, part of Pets at Home, has bought the public defibrillator after launching a fund-raising campaign.

The initiative began after a young colleague with a heart condition collapsed at work, reaffirming the need for the lifesaving device.

It saw the 20-strong team take part in several fund-raising activities, including raffles, bake sales and pet portraits.

The practice also hosted a #GoPurpleDay in honour of Ayrshire Hospice, which saw them dress in purple to show their support for the outstanding care and support the hospice provides.

The team, along with their clients, raised £758 towards the defibrillator, which is now available for public use outside the practice in Allison Street Retail Park.

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Georgina Mackie, practice manager at Vets4Pet Ayr, said: “It means so much to us all that we are able to help our local community by having this piece of lifesaving equipment for all to use.

"Many of our team have family members who have been affected by cardiac issues and you never know when this vital piece of equipment will be useful.

“We are so grateful to everyone who kindly donated – this wouldn’t be possible without their generosity.

"We’re also not stopping here and we will continue to fund-raise throughout the year to support other important causes.”

This is the latest in a series of fund-raising efforts organised by Vets4Pets Ayr, all of which are designed to support worthwhile causes.

For more information about Vets4Pets Ayr visit here.