Family join forces to save lives in Helensburgh and Lomond
A father, his partner, and their son have joined forces to help save lives across Helensburgh and Lomond.
Stewart Harris Senior, his partner Grace Doran, and their son, Stewart are members of the nine strong Helensburgh and Lomond Community First Responder (CFR) group - volunteers trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) to respond to a potential life-threatening emergency in the vital first few minutes before an ambulance crew arrives.
Stewart Harris Senior founded the group in partnership with the SAS Community Resilience Team in 2019 and both him and son Stewart were amongst the first volunteers trained. His partner, Grace, joined the group in 2023.
Stewart Snr said: “Starting this group, and helping it grow with the support of the SAS Community Resilience team, gave me the opportunity to support and serve my local community.
“The work is often challenging, but the reward is unmatched. Every day, we are reminded of the immense value of our role in the community - being there when someone needs help the most. It's not just about being first on the scene; it's about making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“Being a part of this group is also an opportunity to learn new skills, hone existing ones, and grow as individuals and as a team. Volunteering with SAS not only allows us to serve but also fosters a sense of unity and purpose, something that extends far beyond the training or the tasks at hand.
“As a family, we have a passion and dedication to this cause which is now shared with our fellow group volunteers. We are a tight knit group who remain grateful for the chance to contribute, to help others, and to make a lasting impact. This is why we do it, and we wouldn't have it any other way.”
David Roger, National Community Resilience Manager, said: “We are grateful to the Harris family and their fellow volunteers in the Helensburgh and Lomond Community First Responders Group.
“They play a vital role in their community, and they are highly valued by the Scottish Ambulance Service for their dedication, hard work and commitment.”
To find out how to become a Community First Responder, visit Community First Responders