A Chesterfield business is urging other local companies to come together as part of efforts to increase the number of defibrillators available in the area.
Leverton UK has launched the #donateadefib campaign in order to ensure the devices are installed at community spaces and sporting venues across Chesterfield and Derbyshire.
It follows the incident which took place in the European Football Championship match, in which Danish player Christian Eriksen required urgent medical attention after collapsing on the pitch.
Marcus Leverton, Director of Leverton UK said: “The majority of the world’s football lovers stood in shock at the weekend as we watched an incredible footballer, an elite athlete in exceptional physical condition, stumble and fall to the ground as the result of a cardiac arrest. Aged just 29, Christian Eriksen loved by millions suddenly was fighting for his life.
“The quick actions of his teammates, the medical staff on hand and the right type of emergency equipment are undoubtedly the reason he is now recovering in hospital.
“I was sat in my kitchen working on my laptop with the TV on in the background and my wife beside me as we watched the situation unfold, his teammate administering cardio massage and the crowd, the commentators and the world watching in total shock.
“I am a father of two boys, Harry (13) and Samuel (9) who live for football. My boys came in to the room with lots of questions clearly as disturbed as we were at the situation unfolding and it sent my mind in to a spin.
“What would happen if we were at training or had a match at the Avenue, home ground to the Wingerworth Junior Sports Association (WJSA) and a player or a parent suffered a heart attack? Or even a passer by walking through the country park?
“I talked to my fellow Directors at Leverton UK; Tony, Allyson and Mandi, and we agreed that we would provide a defibrillator and secure box to be located near the pitches, to be there just in case.”
The call has been echoed by Darren Parkinson, Chesterfield Football Club’s Activity Officer and WJSA Chairman and Under 14’s Coach in a recent social media post:
Marcus continued: “While it is a truly rare occurrence for a young player to suffer with a heart attack, each player has parents, guardians, brothers, sisters and grandparents who love to watch them play, and unfortunately this increases the chances of this situation becoming a reality.
“While we hope that this defibrillator is never required, we understand and have seen first-hand with Christian that access to equipment such as this can be the difference between life and death, and perhaps other local companies will follow suit and help other local grass roots clubs.
“As a company, personally and as a family we support many local and national charitable causes. It is important that if you are in a position where you can help others, that you do!”
Leverton UK supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
