Photo: Don MacMonagle
Highlighting how a busy local business can strike up a wonderful relationship with surrounding neighbours has been best illustrated by a gesture which has seen The Heights Hotel in Killarney sponsoring a lifesaving defibrillator for the benefit of residents in the nearby Whitebridge Manor.
The project is a vital community initiative inspired by the incredible local response following a medical emergency earlier this year.
After Seán Óg O’Sullivan suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at home, the local community mobilised to raise funds for a publicly accessible defibrillator. In support, The Heights Hotel covered the full cost of the defibrillator and outdoor box which has now been installed in the heart of the Whitebridge estate.
In addition, the project, led by Seán Óg’s brother Gary O’Sullivan, has raised over €4,600 through a GoFundMe campaign. With the defibrillator now in place, the remaining funds will be donated equally to three life-saving causes:
- Killarney Cardiac First Response Unit
- Michael Lenihan Heartsafe Campaign
- Brú Columbanus, Cork University Hospital
Collette Andre O’Riordan, Managing Director of The Heights Hotel, expressed pride in supporting the initiative and confirmed that the hotel will also sponsor community CPR and first aid training by providing the function space and support tools needed to facilitate these vital sessions.
In addition, The Heights Hotel will be hosting an awareness coffee morning in the coming weeks to help raise funds and increase understanding around cardiac response and community preparedness.
“We are delighted to have been able to support such an important community led project,” said Collette Andre O’Riordan.
“The swift response from local residents shows the power of community spirit. We hope this inspires others across Killarney, Kerry, and beyond to prepare and train because it truly can save lives.”
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