HOMEBUILDERS have donated a potentially lifesaving defibrillator to Matthiola Junior Football Club, based in Great Sankey, Warrington.
One of the under 11s player’s parents originally approached the developer to request funds towards the machine, which delivers a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the body to restore a regular heartbeat in the event of a cardiac arrest.However, homebuilders Redrow agreed to fund the full cost of the equipment, including special adaptations for children, and arranged delivery to the team coach Ian Bennett.
Mr Bennett said: “We’ve very grateful to Redrow for purchasing a defibrillator for the under 11s team. We feel very strongly that all football teams should have a defibrillator on hand at every training session and match as it significantly increases the chance of someone surviving a cardiac arrest.”
A survey by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has indicated that the device can increase the chance of survival from a sudden cardiac arrest by 75 per cent
Matthiola under 11s striker Ben recently completed an iron kids run while assistant coach Andy Foy and his friend Ste Weeks recently ran a 10K and half marathon to bolster the funds.
Andy said: “This is an incredible gesture from Redrow which is really appreciated by everyone connected with the team. We have been fundraising over the last few months and hope to be able to purchase a defibrillator for each of the 11 Matthiola teams very soon. This will be an amazing achievement and provide reassurance for the players, coaches and parents.”
The company had already introduced defibrillators onto almost all of their developments following the death of a site manager from a sudden cardiac arrest in 2013. The scheme, which gives staff, contractors and the local community access to the equipment, in the event of a medical emergency won a commendation at the NHBC Health and Safety Awards.
Lesley Myers, sales manager for the builders said: “Matthiola U11s train and play their home games very close to our new development at Taylor’s Chase. As a company we recognise that having access to lifesaving equipment within local communities is so important and we were only too happy to help out with the team’s request.
“We hope they never have to use it, but it provides peace of mind for the parents of those children playing that they would receive fast treatment in the case of an emergency.”
With over 20 teams from under sevens up, Matthiola Junior Football Club play in the Warrington Junior League, with the majority of their matches played in the Penketh and Great Sankey area.
