A GENEROUS Largs couple have donated a defibrillator to Brisbane Glen to mark their 30th wedding celebration.

Willie and Marjory Brown, who run W & J Brown delivering milk and newspapers across the district, came up with the novel idea as a special way to celebrate their three decades of marriage.

Marjory, 65, said: "Recently Willie and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary and instead of hosting a party we decided to buy a defibrillator for The Glen area.

"It is all now properly installed by McManus Electrical who donated their services free of charge. It is also registered with the ambulance services."

Thom Williamson of Largs First Responders offered a free HeartStart course to train people in operating the life-saving device.

The new defibrillator, which cost £1,000, is situated at Nether Whittlieburn Farm on the wall of the main house, facing the road and opposite the cottage.

Willie, 64, said: "We thought instead of hosting a party why don't we put the money towards a defibrillator instead?

"Neighbours, friends and staff from Halliday's Chemist attended the HeartStart briefing that was provided by Thom Williamson.

"Both Marjory and I came up with the idea.

"I regularly drive our delivery van around the town and have noticed on a good few occasions defibrillators getting used and they can be lifesavers, there is no doubt about that, so it is something which is crucial.

"There are various defibrillators dotted around the town but it got me thinking why don't we have anything in the glen area as we have a growing elderly population, so it is something that makes a lot of sense."

Willie added: "We suggested it to Thom Williamson and he told us it would be a fantastic thing. He said he always thought it would be good to have one near Brisbane Glen Cemetery, and with all the walkers, runners and cyclists that pass by, it fits the bill perfectly.

"While it may have cost £1.000, in truth, it is invaluable if goes on to save other people's lives in future, and it is one of these things that you never know the moment you might need it and to have it close at hand is so important."

There are a total of 23 defibrillators locally and the latest addition extends the coverage of the life-saving devices even further.

Marjory and Willie celebrating his BEM achievementMarjory and Willie celebrating his BEM achievement (Image: Pic supplied)

Marjory and Willie were married at Paisley Abbey in 1994, and Willie even got royal recognition for his work during the pandemic making lifeline deliveries around the district, receiving a BEM award.

W&J Brown suddenly found themselves delivering milk, newspapers and groceries to 1,100 homes and businesses a week - and they went on to help those shielding and at risk from the virus with regular drop offs.

Willie is one of the most recognisable faces in the area, delivering milk and newspapers to Largs, Millport, Inverkip and West Kilbride.