Penicuik Community First Responders mark 18 years of lifesaving service

Lifesaving volunteers from Penicuik Community First Responders recently celebrated the group’s 18th anniversary.

Penicuik Community First Responders (CFRs) are a group of volunteers trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service to respond to a potential life-threatening emergency in the vital first few minutes before an ambulance crew arrives. 

They cover the EH26 postcode and surrounding areas, and currently have six members who meet up monthly and have been involved in the group for several years.

Yvonne Mitchell, Co-ordinator for Penicuik CFRs said: “We are immensely proud to mark our 18th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the support from our community.

“We train as CFRs to help others who live in our area, whether it is being first on scene at a cardiac arrest, or providing a listening ear and holding someone’s hand while the ambulance crew is on route.

“We look forward to many more years of serving our community and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”

Michael Dickson, SAS Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to the Penicuik community first responders on this fantastic achievement.

“Our Community First Responders play a vital role in their communities, starting treatment while an ambulance is on route as every second counts, particularly when a person suffers a cardiac arrest. We are thankful to each and every one of them.”

To find out more about becoming a CFR, please visit: Community First Responders (scottishambulance.com)

Police: Have you seen Connie?

POLICE are seeking your assistance in trying to locate a 14-year-old girl, missing from Penicuik.

Connie Cochrane was last seen in Dean Place, Penicuik around 1.30pm on Tuesday, 19 December, 2023. She is around 5ft 2 inches in height with long black hair. When last seen, she was wearing a black, shiny Canada Goose body warmer, a pink jumper and black leggings.

Police are growing increasingly concerned about Connie and just want to know she is safe and well.

Officers have been checking relevant CCTV images and continue to liaise with partner agencies in case Connie is using public transport to get around.

Inspector Cheryl Blanch said: “We are continuing to speak to Connie’s family and friends for any small details that could assist in our enquiries.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen Connie or who has any information about her whereabouts to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2905 of 19 December, 2023.

Have you seen Claire?

Police are appealing for the public’s help in their efforts to trace two people who have been reported missing this weekend.

Police are seeking your help to trace a woman reported missing in Penicuik. There are growing concerns for the 45-year-old, who lives in the Ladywood area.

Claire Parkes is described as a dark haired white Scottish female with a local accent.She was last seen wearing a yellow jacket, pink top, and grey/blue tracksuit bottoms.

Claire was last seen in the Nevis Gardens area of Ladywood, Penicuik around 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday).

Anyone who may have seen Claire, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2798 of 22082020.

MISSING PERSON – ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM – CRAIGMOUNT

*** ALEXANDER HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE AND WELL ***

Police are also appealing for information to help trace a missing 67-year-old man from Edinburgh. Alexander Cunningham was last seen leaving his home address in Craigmount Drive around 5.30pm on Friday (21 August, 2020).

He is described as a white male, around 5ft 6in tall with glasses, short grey hair and walks slowly with a limp. When last seen, Alexander was wearing a brown jacket with zip and pockets, black boots and grey trousers.

Inspector Caroline Flynn, of Drylaw Response Policing, said: “We are becomingly increasingly concerned about Alexander’s whereabouts and we are looking for assistance to help trace him safe and well.

“He is believed to be in possession of his bus pass and may have travelled, therefore we ask if anyone has seen anyone matching this description that they get in contact with officers.

“If anyone has any information that could help trace Alexander then please get in touch.

“Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 1432 of Saturday, 22 August, 2020.”