EVERY football club in the island has been presented with a potentially life-saving defibrillator – thanks to the fundraising efforts of an island charity and the generosity of the Manx public.
Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation’s Paula Lunt and Paul Healey handed out the devices to all 26 clubs during half-time at a friendly match played at Ballafletcher in memory of Paula’s son Craig, who died from an undiagnosed heart defect in 2005 at the age of 25.
Defibrillators are also being presented to each of the island’s high schools, with the St Ninian’s and Ballakermeen being the first to receive them.
In addition, one is being donated to the Isle of Man Football Association for use at the Bowl in Douglas – and there are plans to purchase more to present to other sporting clubs in the island.
Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation was prompted to purchase and donate the 35 Zoll AED Plus defibrillators following the high profile cases of Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, 24, who collapsed with a heart attack during an FA Cup quarter final against Tottenham in March and the tragic death the following month of Italian player Piermario Morosini, 25, who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest during a Serie B game.
Charity chairman Paul Healey said: ‘We’re very proud not only with what we’ve achieved but also of the Manx public, who’ve donated their hard earned cash.
‘The important thing is that these defibrillators are not just to be locked away in a cupboard somewhere – they have to be out in the clubhouse, ready and available in case of an emergency. They can save lives.’
The friendly match between the Cowell Cup team from 20 years ago and a Corinthians select team ended at 5-all.
Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation funds two heart screening sessions a year for island residents aged between 14 and 35 to detect any abnormalities and prevent Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS).
The next heart screening sessions will be at the Sefton Hotel in Douglas on November 24 and 25. You can book a screening now on the charity’s webiste at a www.craigsheartstrongfoundation.co.uk
Anfield legend Phil Thompson was guest speaker at the charity’s annual sportsmen’s dinner at the Palace Hotel last Friday which raised £14,000. A raffle after Wednesday’s match raised £500.