A DETERMINED daughter is fighting to help protect her dad's life after he was left with a potentially fatal illness following a massive heart attack.

Rebecca McQuillan's parents Jim and Trish were abroad in Portugal when her father's heart suddenly failed.

Although he survived, Jim was given the devastating news that he had Brugada syndrome, a genetic disorder which causes abnormal electrical activity within the heart, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Medics discovered the electrical impulses were not passing through his heart at a regular rate, leaving him at a high risk of further attacks.

On their return to Largs, the couple were contacted by the town's first responders, who suggested that a life-saving defib could be purchased for the flats in Castlebay Court where they live with none currently stationed nearby.

Rebecca, 24, has now decided to run the Glasgow Half Marathon in a bid to raise the cash to buy the machine and its casing.

She said: "This is a cause which has become very close and very important to us.

"This really is life-saving equipment and will help anyone at risk in the area, not just my dad.

"It is so important that something like this is easily available to people as it is so much more effective than manual CPR.

"I am a personal trainer so I know about first aid and the importance of it.

"Having a defibrillator increases peoples chances of survival so much because the electric stimulus is more effective.

"My dad is now at high risk of having another heart attack and having this equipment close will provide a little peace of mind should his wiring going wrong at any point.

"There are also a lot of elderly people living near my parents, so it can only be a positive thing to have."

The volunteer first responders have already helped secure 13 defibs from Wemyss Bay to Fairlie.

Rebecca says that having the team close by has allowed their family to relax, knowing that help is always at hand.

She added: "My mum and dad went along to an open event the Largs First Responder and were so impressed with all the information and help they provide.

"They discussed getting a defibrillator and the responders were so helpful. With my parents living in a block of flats it will be there to help so many people.

"The defib itself costs £799, and casings between £80 and £400, so we are looking to raise around £1,200 in total to fund this.

"I don't expect I will raise this just with my run so we will probably hold other fundraising events as well, but it will hopefully be worth it.

"I am very into fitness but running not so much! Hopefully I can just increase my distance a little over the next few weeks in preparation for the big day."

Rebecca will run the half marathon on September 29 and is hoping to raise as much of their target as possible.

Donations can be made at https://www.wonderful.org/fundraiser/glasgowhalfmarathon-3dbf966c