IT WAS an emotional day in Stevenston earlier this week.

It came as the Doon the Beach community cafe were officially handed over their defibrillator.

This is something which was donated to the hub by St John Scotland, back in September, in celebration of all the work done in the community by the late Shirley Morgan.

Described, at the time, as a “wonderful donation in honour of a very special woman", emotions ran high when the defib was unveiled at the hub in a short handover on Wednesday, March 8.

In attendance were the team from Doon the Beach, four reprentatives from St John's, the coastguard team and numerous friends, family and former colleagues of Shirley Morgan - including her mother Anne Cochrane.

As the team from St John handed over the publicly accessible machine, their chair for Ayrshire and Arran made a touching speach about what this defib means for the community - tearing up as she thanked Anne for coming down for the morning.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Representatives from St John made short speeches before the defib was unveiled. Representatives from St John made short speeches before the defib was unveiled. (Image: Staff)

Jess commented: “We are delighted to partner with the wonderful team at ‘Doon the Beach’ community café.

It was a pleasure to officially unveil the 24/7 public access defibrillator at this great new facility, and to acknowledge the contribution of the late Shirley Morgan to this community.

"It was especially touching to have her mum, Anne, with us.”

Following this unveiling, all in attendance were invited to partake in a short training session to ensure they know how to use the defib.

Jess continued: “Details on how to apply to our community defibrillator scheme and to receive follow up bystander CPR and defibrillator awareness training, can be found on our charity’s website: stjohnscotland.org.uk.

"If anyone is interested in volunteering with us, we would love to hear from them.”

While Ayrshire and Arran may now have over 60 publicly accessible defibrillators, donated by St John's, this one in Stevenston is certainly one of a kind - thanks to the people behind itArdrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Many of those who were in attendance on Wednesday.Many of those who were in attendance on Wednesday. (Image: Staff)