UPDATE

I have now raised enough to buy our Defibrillator and am pleased to announce that thanks to Fundraising from Southport Netball Club we are almost there with what is needed for another Defibrillator for their Clubs use .

Southport Netball Club supports all age groups right through to Walking Netball so we are kindred spirits in Sport.

I did not expect such a fantastic response from all the Players and Family and Friends of Southport Veterans FC raising over £900 towards the cost of our own Defibrillator. My work colleagues and Contractors working for Forbo Flooring have come up trumps allowing this additional purchase.

With Southport Netball Clubs own fundraising we are aiming for a third machine so don't stop donating now!!

I had the priviledge to meet Mark King founder of The Oliver King Foundation when he presented us with our Defibrillator last week

Mark and his Team of volunteers work tirelessly to promote the use of Defibrillators and have actively placed over 5,500 across the UK.

Mark has now got commitment from Government to make it compulsory to have Defibrillator's in all Schools a fitting tribute to his Son Oliver who lost his life so tragically aged only 12.

Its just up to me to complete my walk - starting this weekend, I will be spurred on thanks to all of you supporting this Fundraising effort - THANKYOU!

I retire in September and to celebrate this new chapter in my life I am completing the Coast to Coast walk made famous by Alfred Wainwright, all 190 miles of it from St Bees on the West Coast to Robin Hoods Bay on the East Coast. My Cousin Neil Tonge (the handsome one of our duo - or so he thinks!), will be joining me to keep us both on the straight and narrow!

When I turned 50 back in 2005 I ran both the London and New York Marathons and raised over £8k for The Alzheimer's Society in memory of my Mum who suffered with this tragic condition.

I am a member of a Veterans Football Club based in Southport which offers us over the age of 50 the chance to pretend we are all contenders for Gareth Southgate's England Squad should we be called upon! This activity gives all the opportunity to meet up two or three times a week, indulge in friendly banter and keep fit at the same time. Where Covid Restrictions has allowed it has been a welcome distraction to the menace that Covid 19 has been. Its great to see us all laughing and joking and looking out for each other!

Our 80 year plus legend Neville "Bite your Legs" Manning, has Duracell batteries fitted as he never stops running! That's Neville practising his curtsy for when he gets his Knighthood at the Palace!

I was shocked by the scenes that unfolded during the Denmark Finland Game when Christian Eriksen collapsed, and bought to tears by the way that his team mates, opposition players and everyone in the Stadium came together, rivalries forgotten, and prayed for him to pull through. If it hadn't been for the amazing work carried out by the Medical Team then we would have faced a very different outcome.

The scene of his Team Mates forming a barrier whilst all visibly shocked will live in my memory forever. Christians survival was nothing short of miraculous, and made me think that maybe I should try to help all of my Team Mates by raising enough money so that we have our own Defibrillator should, and I hope it never happens, we have the need. If this can happen to a very fit 29 year old, our group of 50 to mid 80's are obviously at high risk, although we behave like teenagers when out on the pitch!

I sought advise from The Oliver king Foundation who raise money to provide Defibrillators to Schools and Sports Venues. https://theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk/

Oliver King was a 12-year-old boy who attended King David High School in Liverpool, whilst winning a swimming race in a PE lesson he tragically suffered a sudden cardiac arrest due to a condition known as Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS). This condition kills 12 young people under the age of 35 every single week in the UK. Sadly there was no lifesaving defibrillator on hand, and for every minute that passed his chances of survival dropped significantly.

If someone facing Cardiac Arrest is treated within 2 minutes by the use of a Defibrillator then the chance of survival is 90% - a sobering thought.

I would be so grateful if you could help me raise enough money to buy our own Defibrillator which will cost £1400 via the Oliver King Foundation, with all money over and above going direct to the Trust.

Any amount will be gratefully received - and thanks for taking the time to read this!

Scotland Team in mini Euros 2021!

Just had a great Donation from my Sister in Texas in memory of my Brother in Law Gordon who ran the New York Marathon with me back in 2005 - we helped each other around through some tough times but triumphed in the end. Cheers Gordon miss you lots!