Monday October 6th 2025
Live Borders' 'Give Five Save A Life' team with Councillor Carol Hamilton
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A new lifesaving chapter has been added to a mobile library service across the Borders.
A community fundraising initiative launched by Live Borders last year, Give Five Save A Life, aimed at equipping mobile library vans with defibrillators, has successfully reached its goal thanks to generous support from both the Borders community and energy provider Vital Energi and its partners.
Defibrillators save thousands of lives in the UK every year and are particularly important in rural areas where access to immediate medical care is not always available.
The campaign raised over £300 locally from donations received online and through the mobile library vans.
Thanks to a partnership with London Hearts, a charity dedicated to supporting organisations in acquiring defibrillators, and a call for support posted on the NHS Community Benefits Portal, the project found a vital ally in Vital Energi who, with their partners OCAD, James Ramsay and Excalibur Energy have fully funded two defibrillators.
This commitment, following their recently completed decarbonisation works with NHS Borders, highlights the power of community fundraising, strategic partnerships, and corporate social value in delivering meaningful impact across public services.
The money raised locally will support staff training and maintenance of the defibrillators.
“This is a fantastic example of community spirit and corporate responsibility coming together to make a real difference,” said Councillor Carol Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for Housing and Culture, adding: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and to Vital Energi for stepping in to help Live Borders complete this important project.”
Lisa Martin, Vital Energi social value and customer care manager, added: “We’re extremely proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to improving community well-being,
“Providing defibrillators for mobile library vans supports NHS community anchor strategy and ensures lifesaving equipment is available where it’s needed most, and we’re pleased to play a part in making that happen.”
Catriona McAllister, chief executive of Live Borders, said: “The installation of defibrillators in our mobile library vans is a powerful step forward in making lifesaving equipment accessible to the communities we serve.
“These vans travel to some of the most rural and remote parts of the Borders and having emergency response capability on board could truly mean the difference between life and death.”
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