A GROUP from a local church are pulling on their walking boots in a bid to raise funds to install a lifesaving defibrillator.

Members of St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s Church in Wemyss Bay are taking on the Inverclyde Stride in a bid to raise the £1,200 needed to install the equipment.

Some will tackle the 18-mile route from Parklea Branching Out to Inverkip Community Hub while others will take part in the shorter four-mile route which also ends at the community hub but starts at Lunderston Bay.

Marcus Barry, chair of the parish council said: “The church is packed at weekends and we can have up to 150 people every service.

"It also hosts community events throughout the year.

“We thought with the facilities so well used it would be a good idea to have a defibrillator installed here for the benefit of the Parish and local community.

“It is not something you ever want to have to use or something you even think about until you need it but having it will be a reassurance.

“We thought a good way to fundraise would be doing the Inverclyde Stride and plenty of people have signed up.

"We have great community spirit here and are a very active church so people were happy to volunteer.”

The group are well on their way to reaching their target, with £390 raised in donations from parishioners and members of the public and £250 pledged by the local community council.

Marcus said: “We are hoping that the money we raise from the walk will be enough to get us over the line and we can get it installed as soon as possible.

“It will be for the benefit of the whole community and anyone can use it."

With Inverclyde Stride set to take place on Saturday August 31, those taking part have been out practicing and are looking forward to the event.

Marcus said: “We are all quite excited and looking forward to it.

"People have been out practicing to make sure they are ready.

“We can’t thank everyone who has donated enough, we really appreciate the support.”

To support the members of St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s Church in their defib drive visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/annie-clark3