A FOOTBALL team have raised funds for the installation of a new defibrillator machine.
Darlington based Middleton Rangers raised £900 overnight for the machine, which will be permanently installed at the pitch at the airport playing fields at Teesside International Airport next week. The team have relocated to the airport from Eastbourne Sports Complex pitch due to coronavirus.
The FA have agreed to match the club’s £900 for the £1,500 machine.
“The nearest defibrillator is at the Londis shop in the Middleton St George village centre,” said club chairman Les Hughes.
“This is seven minutes each-way to the airport. If someone were to go into cardiac arrest, this is critical time.
“Some of our players are in their 80s, or are children with heart conditions, so this equipment is essential because we’re a football team for all.
"Last year, a 81-year-old player did go into cardiac arrest whilst playing, and we had to perform CPR until the ambulance arrived. Although we didn’t need to use the defibrillator, it shows how essential this equipment is.”
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