Pannal Sports Junior Football Club has raised over £2,000 in just four hours for a life-saving defibrillator.
The fundraising campaign followed the shocking scenes of footballer Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest on the pitch during a Euro 2020 game last week.
The club said the event “really hit home to a lot of people” how important having a defibrillator on site is for any sporting facility.
More than 100 people donated money to the successful crowdfunding campaign which means the club can install a defibrillator at their ground on Leeds Road.
Currently, it would take 10 minutes to get to the nearest defibrillator, which could be the difference between life and death.
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Nick Viles, chair of Pannal Sports, said:
“The recent events at Euro 2020 have highlighted the importance of having this life-saving equipment close at hand in an emergency. With Pannal Community Park used by almost 1,000 people each week, either recreationally or as part of organised sport, we want to be able to provide immediate pitch side access to a defibrillator.
“This funding will allow us to install a defibrillator that will be accessible 24/7 to those using the facilities and to the wider local community.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported our campaign by donating and helping us reach our target so quickly, meaning we can install a new defibrillator as quickly as possible.”
Donations are still being received and the club plans to use these additional funds to deliver first aid training for its junior football players.
