Thursday 3rd April 2014 – 10.40am – Chris Kowalik.
Senior cricketers in Worcestershire have raised money to buy four defibrillators to take to matches.
The decision, by the Worcestershire Senior Cricket Association followed the death of its own Chairman and a number of senior players last year. It was also in response to a proposal at the Seevent Cricket League AGM that all 31 member Counties should endeavour to provide defibrillators at Championship matches.
Helping to raise the money were Rob and Maggie Underwood of ‘Redditch HeartSafe’; an organisation supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service who presented them with an award last year for their work in getting defibrillators in public places. There was also assistance from the Worcestershire Cricket Board, senior cricketers and WEL Medical. They met at Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s New Road Ground on Friday 21st March where the defibrillators were handed over.
Barry Briscoe , Team Manager for Worcestershire Over 60s Cricket Teams said: “Redditch HeartSafe and the Worcestershire Senior Cricket Association have worked together to provide four defibrillators which will now be available at all of the Seniors matches. The Seniors presently field four sides who play other County teams in over 50,60,and 70 year age groups. Nationally it has been increasingly recognised that the provision of defibrillators at sports facilities and matches can have a significant impact on the survival of anyone who suffers a heart attack whilst either playing or attending these events.
“The need to have defibrillators available at all our matches was tragically realised by us following the collapse of one of our colleagues, who subsequently passed away, during a seniors match last season.
“I should like to pay tribute to the help and advice which Redditch HeartSafe have given us to ensure that we have right equipment available at all our matches. ”
Rob Underwood from Redditch HeartSafe said: “We are losing too many people every single day of the week in this country through no fault of anybody’s and we need these defibrillators there to give these people the best chance of survival.”
Ian Pearse, Director WEL Medical, the manufacturers of the defibrillators purchased said: “It is a tragedy that Worcestershire Seniors Cricketers and their supporters have had their lives adversely affected by the sudden loss of their colleagues. The dedication of the members, the Cricket Board and Redditch HeartSafe has turned this tragedy in to an opportunity that may help save the lives of others. We are proud to be able to support all those involved in this project.”
Ends
Rob and Maggie Underwood spoke to BBC Hereford & Worcester’s Andrew Easton. Listen here: