Rugby Club Raises Funds For A Community Defibrillator

Photo: James Hobson (left) and Phil Whymark, SRUFC Club President

The collapse of Denmark’s Christian Eriksen during the Euro 2020 football match against Finland bought home to everyone that no matter how fit we are, illness can strike at any time.

The above events focussed Sittingbourne Rugby Club to consider the purchase of a defibrillator to try to safeguard the wellbeing of their playing members and, given their desire to engage with the local community, that of members of the public.

A team of cyclists from the club, led by James Hobson, undertook a fundraising cycle ride on Sunday 4th July with the proceeds being split between the Wooden Spoon rugby charity and the remainder towards the defibrillator.

They then applied for the Community Grants from Swale Borough Council members and received positive responses and funding from local councillors Mike Whiting (Teynham and Lynsted), Tony Winckless (Milton Regis), James Hunt (The Meads), Ken Rowles (Roman) and Derek Carnell (Kemsley).

The club also received a generous donation from Rotary Club Of Sittingbourne Invicta.

The defibrillator is now placed on an external wall at the Gore Court clubhouse and is registered with the local ambulance service and can be accessed by a code (which is obtained by ringing the telephone number on the unit).