Moray couple recognised by Prime Minister with Points of Light award
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A MORAY couple who have saved 18 lives through their charity work have been recognised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Sandra and Gordon McKandie have been recognised for their work through Keiran’s Legacy, which they set up following the tragic death of their son Keiran at the age of only 16, in 2016.
Keiran's Legacy aims to save lives by ensuring that defibrillators are provided to local communities, schools and police response vehicles as well as educating people to provide lifesaving support.
Since the charity's inception in 2017, Sandra and Gordon have donated over 270 defibrillators to communities in Scotland, have raised more than £80,000 to ensure that all road policing units in Scotland are fitted with the life-saving equipment and have saved 18 lives through their tireless work and fundraising activities.
The couple have now been given the Points of Light award by the Prime Minster, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.
Sandra and Gordon said: “We are honoured to accept this award in honour of Keiran our only child and son, and to acknowledge that this would not be happening without every person who has taken Keiran into their hearts and who has provided us with their time, donations and who undertaken challenges of their own in support of Keiran's Legacy.
“This has enabled us to save 18 people’s lives, educated over 2000 people and distributed 272 defibrillators, to ensure a long-lasting legacy for Keiran.”
Along with their work to provide lifesaving equipment and education, Sandra and Gordon have also donated equipment to schools that will allow pupils to participate in the sport and have further kept Keiran's passion for mountain biking alive by building ‘Keiran’s Line’. The bike trail, which enables children and adults to take part in downhill mountain biking and aims to improve the mental health of mountain bikers, will have an official opening this spring.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I am absolutely delighted that Sandra and Gordon have been given Points of Lights awards by the Prime Minister and I know people across Moray will be as well.
“Their work following the tragic loss of their son Keiran at such a young age has been hugely inspirational. Despite the worst possible news hitting them, they have worked tirelessly to create a such a positive legacy.
“The awards are richly deserved. The work Sandra and Gordon have done as part of their Keiran’s Legacy campaign, has saved lives and seen hundreds of defibrillators provided in communities across Moray. It is fantastic that they have been honoured by the Prime Minister with these awards."
