After suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in August 2013 during a dinner reception in Aberdeen, Bernard felt compelled to start a campaign to support the placement of public-access defibrillators at golf clubs across the UK. It is thanks to early advanced treatment with CPR and shocks from an automated external defibrillator (AED) that he regained consciousness and went on to make a full recovery.

Figures published in a recent survey identified there are more than 3,000 golf courses and a further 840 independent driving ranges across the UK and Ireland. These serve more than 4 million people. Currently just 30% of golf clubs have a defibrillator.

It is hoped that the Bernard Gallacher Defibrillator Campaign will encourage every golf club in the UK and Ireland to have at least one public-access defibrillator by the end of 2014. It is estimated 2,600 golfing venues could benefit.