GIRLGUIDES have been left devastated after their life-saving medical device was stolen.

When the Echo launched a campaign to help install more defibrillators in Southampton last year, members of the Guiding community rallied around to raise money to get one outside their centre.

The girls, ranging from five to 14 years old, completed a fundraising skipathon and £1,000 was raised to install the machine outside the Guide Centre in Timsbury Drive, Maybush.

But less than a year later, thieves have destroyed the box and stolen the treatment for cardiac arrest.

Brownie, Rainbow and Guide district commissioner Eileen Howlett said: “Whoever has done this has hurt the whole community.

“How many lives could have been saved by this machine?

“They have put people’s lives at risk.”

The Brownies purchased the machine, which cost in the region of £2,000, by fundraising and through a grant from Southampton City Council.

Community members, councillors and other groups who use the venue were invited to the unveiling ceremony in November.

Eileen added: “The girls were really excited that they had achieved what they set out to do, the county commissioner came out to unveil it and it was a lovely event.”

All of the Guides in the Test area learnt how to use the machine as well as CPR and how to prevent choking.

“I hoped that we would never have to use it but it was there in case we needed it.

“I hope people think of their selfish actions, even if it was returned the whole machine would now need to be replaced.

“It makes you wonder why you do these good things, when people are just going to ruin them.”

The ambulance service has been notified, as in the case of a potential cardiac arrest the caller will be directed to the next-nearest defibrillator machine.

The police have also been made aware and are appealing for anyone with information to call 101.