A Sunderland-based charity has been given the seal of approval from former footballer Fabrice Muamba thanks to a campaign that will be donating 100 life-saving defibrillators to grassroots clubs across the country.
The football world was plunged into a state of shock when former England youth international Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest when playing for Bolton Wanderers in 2012.
Despite his heart stopping for 78 minutes, Muamba survived, in part thanks to help from a defibrillator.
Yet others who have suffered heart attacks whilst playing football have not been so lucky, and the presence of a defibrillator can often be the difference between life and death.
As such, Muamba has backed Team Grassroots and leading heart charity Red Sky Foundation, who have joined forces to give away defibrillators to grassroots clubs.
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Applications for the 2023 scheme are now open and Muamba called on clubs to get involved.
He said: “We all know the importance of having a defibrillator and that it could be the difference between life and death.
“We want to see more defibs available at grassroots football and we fully support the grassroots defib programme by Team Grassroots and Red Sky Foundation.
“I encourage you and your football club to apply for the defib provider scheme.”
Red Sky Foundation was awarded full charitable status in 2020, having been created by Sunderland couple Sergio and Emma Petrucci.
The pair wanted to give something back after their daughter, Luna, received life-saving open heart surgery at the Children’s Heart Unit in Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital and have since raised over £1m to fund state-of-the-art cardiac machinery and equipment.
They have also funded a public access defibrillator project, which installed over 400 units and educated tens of thousands of people across the country about the importance of CPR and early defibrillation.
After realising the urgent need for extra defibrillators in sport and running a successful campaign last year, Sergio and Emma have once again partnered with Team Grassroots to give away 100 defibs and provide unlimited access to a free defibrillator and CRP training course.
Sergio said: “Our daughter Luna was given a second chance receiving specialist cardiac care when she needed it most but, now she is 100 percent fit and healthy, it’s time for us to focus on the other children who are born with, or who might develop a heart condition.
“Grassroots football is a perfect way for us to continue the scheme. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone of any age and what we’re doing at this level of football is to help protect children as well as adults in the event of a medical emergency by having a defibrillator as near as possible.
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“Using early CPR and defibrillation on a person in sudden cardiac arrest can increase their chances of survival from seven per cent to over 75 per cent so it’s vital that every club possible in the UK has access to a defibrillator via the Grassroots Defibrillator Programme.”
Click here for more information on how to apply for the scheme.
Grassroots’ Paul Kirton added: “It’s great to see the Grassroots Red Sky Foundation Defibrillator Programme getting such high-profile attention – and we hope to keep the momentum going with ambitions to get as many of the units as possible out into lots of sporting locations.
“Red Sky Foundation’s incredibly generous donation will help clubs play with confidence and give them peace of mind, knowing that life-saving equipment can be made available, should it be required.
“Previously we have received over 5,000 applications for 100 defibrillators, confirming the demand and lack of affordability amongst grassroots clubs who continue to struggle through to keep clubs afloat.”
Clubs who are allocated a defibrillator via the programme will also be given a free live-saving CPR and defibrillator online session for as many people who wish to attend, courtesy of Red Sky Foundation.
This is an extract from our Kick N Mix grassroots football newsletter. Sign up using the form above to receive it straight to your inbox.
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