Findhorn Coastal Rowing Club teammates honoured with Royal Humane Society Certificates for Resuscitation by Dame Katherine Grainger DBE for saving MacLean MacLeod's life following a cardiac arrest on Findhorn beach

TEAM-MATES who saved a man’s life at Findhorn Bay were honoured by a former Olympic rower during an official ceremony in the village on Sunday, January 29.

In April 2021, MacLean MacLeod from Forres suffered a cardiac arrest on the shore near the Kimberley Inn following an evening rowing training session with Findhorn Coastal Rowing Club (FCRC). His crewmates who took swift and concerted action were presented with Royal Humane Society Certificates for Resuscitation by special guests including 2012 Summer Olympics gold medalist and World Champion rower, Dame Katherine Grainger DBE.

FRCR captain, Claire Weller, described the incident on Findhorn beach last spring.

She said: “When we came back to the shore MacLean, our club bosun, was first out of the boat to make her ready for the rest of the crew to disembark. Then he suddenly collapsed. I realised what had happened and stepped in to give first aid.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service Wildcat Cardiac Responder discovered MacLean was not breathing and had no pulse. She told the other crew members and immediately began chest compression.

Claire was joined by club treasurer Alison Mackay and they applied CPR for 20 minutes.

Crewmate Jackie King held MacLean’s head and helped with the defibrillator once it arrived.

The rest of the crew – Ruth Boardman, vice-captain Annie Cheese and rowing officer Maria Olsthoorn – organised everything at the scene helped by a local lady, Alix Cherry, including getting the defibrillator from the JMI, calling 999 and keeping onlookers back.

Claire said: “Thankfully after three shocks, he came back to life.”

MacLean was taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin by ambulance, then subsequently transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where his recovery took nearly three weeks.

He said: “The critical care that I received from the NHS was exemplary. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Claire and Alison for maintaining the oxygen flow to my brain as, in the case of cardiac arrest, this is paramount.

“I’m also so grateful to Sandra and Gordon McKandie of Keiran’s Legacy for the defibrillator they have provided at the Institute.”

He added: “I would not be here today were if not for Captain Claire, the crew and Keirans Legacy’s defibrillator. They brought me back to life.”

The Kieran’s Legacy charity was founded by Sandra and Gordon McKandie after a road accident claimed the life of their son, keen cyclist Keiran, on March 20, 2016. Keiran’s Legacy funds defibrillators across the north-east while raising awareness of CPR and defibrillation skills.

After returning home, MacLean together with friend, FCRC training and safety officer Mark Lean, approached the Royal Humane Society to find an appropriate acknowledgement of the crew’s achievement. As a result, the society was pleased to award Resuscitation Certificates to Claire, Alison and Jackie, as well as Certificates of Commendation to Ruth, Annie and Maria.

These were presented by Dame Katherine in front of special guests including the McKandies, Lord Lieutenant of Moray Major General Seymour Monro, Wildcat cardiac responder development lead Lorna Donaldson and chief executive officer of the Resuscitation Council UK, Dr James Cant.

Dame Katherine said: “What an absolute privilege to meet, and award certificates, to a truly inspirational group of women. I have met many brilliant sporting teams over the years, but never such an impressive crew who kept cool heads and acted decisively and bravely to save a life.

“It was fantastic to spend time with the crew, with Maclean and all the club members on a very well deserved day of celebration.”

Maj Gen Monro said the presentation was a “marvellous occasion” and opportunity to pay tribute to the crew. He also acknowledged the importance of the defibrillator provided by Kieran’s Legacy.

His sentiments were echoed by Dr Cant who emphasised that Maclean’s team-mates “did exactly what is needed when you find someone in a state of cardiac arrest”.

Ms Donaldson agreed, saying that she was “immensely proud” of Claire’s actions as a fellow Scottish Ambulance Service responder.

She added: “Claire’s awareness and confidence from her training helped during Maclean’s cardiac arrest. Bystander action is crucial. CPR and use of a defibrillator were executed magnificently by the girls and he is still with us as a result.”

Finally, Mrs McKandie said the team "truly deserved their awards".

She added: "They were outstanding. They acted swiftly, performed effective CPR and got the defibrillator - the combination along with their knowledge and abilities saved MacLean’s life.

"We are honoured on behalf of Keiran to be able to have been able to provide a defibrillator to this community."