We are raising £10,000 for this life saving community project.

On Tuesday the 8th July 2025 just along from Gosport & Fareham RFC Clubhouse (PO12 2HE) the Gosport Road runners were warming up before their run.

The Walking Rugby team from the club were playing approximately 150metres away that evening.

A few of the rugby players noticed a runner fall heavily to the ground.

On seeing this Matthew Crofts, who was playing walking rugby at the time, without hesitation ran across and assessed the situation. He immediately asked for space. He instructed someone to get the defibrillator from inside the Clubhouse and for someone to call an ambulance. Matthew remained calm throughout. Matthew checked the runners airway and breathing. He was not breathing and had no pulse. Chest compressions and rescue breaths were promptly administered by 2 members of the running club. The resuscitation cycle was completed on six or seven occasions until the defibrillator arrived. Matthew immediately opened the defibrillator and fixed the pads to the runner. Matthew then competently used the machine in accordance with the instructions provided. It was on the first defibrillator cycle that the runner revived. It was then when a paramedic arrived and Matthew gave a comprehensive verbal summary of the observations and the actions that he had undertaken to the paramedic. The care of the runner was handed to the attending paramedics. Like many others present, there is no doubt that the life of the runner (An 82 year old male - David Croft) had been saved by the professional conduct of Matthew.

The wife (Ros) of David has said "I want to give you my heartfelt thanks for your prompt, selfless actions, bringing David back after his cardiac arrest. David is amazingly doing well and is waiting for a pacemaker device and a stent to keep him ticking over. Once again I thank you."

David returned home on Friday, 18th July. Of note, Matthew is a volunteer with Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS). It is through this association that he has been trained and allows him to remain as highly skilled and proficient first aider.

Following on from this incident it begs questions about the proximity of 24/7 defibrillators. In such a large open space, such as Gosport Park used by many community groups, walkers and dog walkers etc it is clear that a defibrillator is needed on the outside of the Clubhouse. This can then be used 24/7 by all users of the Park. All groups from Gosport & Fareham Walking Rugby, Gosport Road Runners, Alverstoke Bowls Club and Dan Turner who runs the local bootcamp have come together to support this fundraising initiative. On the 17th July we called a meeting to discuss fundraising for a 24x7 defibrillator to be fitted on the outside of the Clubhouse. All groups were in attendance. David's wife, Ros, was also in attendance. It is proposed through the links with GAFIRS and the Rugby Club (The Hugin) that we (involving all groups, including the Gosport senior rugby players) to have a sponsored pull the lifeboat. It may also include bagpipes. A small group of people will meet to fine tune this sponsored event, that we hope can take place very soon, in the fine summer weather.

The group do not see this event as a one off and hope to make it an annual event to raise the awareness and raise funds for more 24x7 community defibrillators to be placed around the Borough. We are hoping to secure funding from all the local community, local companies, local agencies, the Council and other national agencies in support of this life saving local initiative. Please support and donate generously this initiative is life saving.

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