Two parkrun events in Galway, Knocknacarra and Oranmore, are coming together to raise vital funds for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a portable medical device that when used alongside CPR can increase the chance of a survival from a cardiac incident by as high as 90%.

The fundraising to buy two AEDs, one for each run, starts on February 2nd with a table quiz and raffle at 8pm in Crowe’s Bar, Bohermore.

Speaking about the importance of having access to an AED, Rob Partridge, the Event Director for Knocknacarra parkrun said “On a Saturday we have over 400 people running and walking at the events in Knockncarra and Oranmore, and it’s only a matter of time before this piece of equipment is needed.”

“The support we’re getting is very much appreciated and every cent will go towards buying an AED for each event."

The parkrun event in Knocknacarra is supported by the HSE, Galway council and the Local Sports Partnership, and numbers attending the free weekly 5km run has increased steadily since it came to the area in 2014.

The Oranmore parkrun was initiated in August 2016 and regularly sees 250-300 people coming together to run and walk around the park on a Saturday morning.

Run Galway Bay have donated two entry tickets for their marathon event, with the table quiz event page asking for anyone who is interested in donating more raffle prizes to contact either of the park runs.

For more information see Facebook.com/knocknacarraparkrun