When Christian Eriksen collapsed during the recent Euro 2020 tournament, most people watching expected the worst. It was clear that something catastrophic was happening, yet knowing he was in the best of hands gave everyone cause for optimism.

Doctors and physios were at Eriksen’s side within seconds of his collapse. Had they not been, the happy ending that transpired might never have happened.

The chances of experiencing this type of cardiac event are extremely slim, but they’re not zero. That’s why it’s important for all grassroots football clubs to have procedures in place to react to such emergencies.

The ability to administer CPR and the use of a defibrillator to an afflicted player could be the difference between life and death.

The great thing about modern, public access defibrillators is that they can be used by anyone. The latest devices “talk” to the user, providing step-by-step instructions.

Every second counts when it comes to saving the life of someone in cardiac arrest. Ambulances very often don’t make it in time, so anything we can do to protect the players should be embraced.

The Appleyard Sports Ground and Pavilion Bar provide facilities for football, tennis, bowls and many corporate events. They currently offer home venue pitches for 27+ Football Teams across the Swale District catering for all age groups.

On any given weekend they can have as many 14 teams playing at the same time across the 7 Football pitches within the venue, not including family, friends and supporters who may also be in attendance.

The Appleyard have successfully applied to Swale Borough Council for a Defibrillator Grant (£750) to go towards at least one defibrillator for the players and visitors to the ground. However, extra funds are required in order to cover full cost, purchase and installation of a Defibrillator ASAP.

Around 12 young people between the ages of 12 and 35 die suddenly through unexplained cardiac events every year in the UK. If defibrillation is delivered promptly, initial survival rates as high as 75% have been reported.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen anywhere at any time to anyone. Ensuring more facilities including the Appleyard have an Automated External Defibrillator will help save lives and if this appeal can save just one of those lives, it’s a worthwhile endeavour.

Many thanks