Bernard Gallacher: introduce more golf club defibrillators

Bernard Gallacher: introduce more golf club defibrillators

Bernard Gallacher is planing to lead a campaign championing the widespread introduction of defibrillators on golf courses.

The Ryder Cup legend suffered a sudden heart arrhythmia during a corporate engagement in Aberdeen and was subsequently treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for 15 days.

Today, a statement was released on behalf of Bernard Gallacher:   "Whilst undertaking an engagement for a corporate client in Aberdeen, Bernard was taken ill and spent 15 days under the excellent care of medical staff in Aberdeen, seven days of which were in intensive care. Bernard went into cardiac arrest (commonly known as ‘Sudden Death Syndrome') on three occasions following irregular heart activity in the days preceding the incident. Thanks to the composed and quick thinking of staff and guests at the engagement, as well as quick access to a defibrillator, Bernard is now on his way to making a full recovery with no long term effects expected.   The availability of a defibrillator was central in giving Bernard a chance of survival and along with his wife Lesley and the support of the PGA and European Tour, he will be championing a campaign to make defibrillators widely accessible at golf courses around the UK.   The support and well-wishes received throughout Bernard's time in hospital and since returning home have been incredible, and Bernard would like to pass his sincere thanks to his sponsors and supporters for their kind words, thoughts and prayers.   Bernard will not be undertaking any additional corporate engagements in 2013 but with a home Ryder Cup to look forward to in 2014, will be busy supporting the European Team and recounting his Ryder Cup experiences throughout next year."