Cardiac Arrest is something im sure your all aware of, and know of someone close to you that sadly passed away as a result of going into Cardiac Arrest.

My names Mark Neal the Chairman of Weston Crusaders JFC.

We here at Weston Crusaders JFC run 10 teams aged ranged between 6 - 16 years old and Play at Baytree Recreational Ground, which is part of the North Somerset Council's Parks, so therefore open to members of the public, the park is also shared by another local junior football team and on match days attracts large numbers of spectators of all age ranges.

Even at such a young age children are not immune from the possibilities of suffering cardiac arrest during a football match, as the nature of the sport demands certain levels of fitness that places stress on their bodies. We are hearing the very sad news that more and more fit young men (and women) are passing away after a football/rugby match.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy heart condition kills dozens of young people every year, When calcium levels rise the heart contracts - and when the calcium levels drop the heart muscle relaxes, similar to the upstroke and downstroke of a motor engine. Abnormal changes in calcium levels disrupt the smooth cycling between cardiac contraction and relaxation that leads to irregular heartbeat and sudden death.

Read More

We feel it necessary as a Junior Football Team to be able to offer anyone that was to suffer cardiac arrest the best chance of survival by having available least 1 defibrillator is available at ALL home games, which would be made readily available to ALL in the vacinity of Baytree Rec.

We are looking to purchase initially 1 AED for use at Baytree Recreational Ground, the defibrillator would be a fully automatic AED which anyone would be able to use without training.

Whilst at the club we ensure our coaching staff have at least one FA qualified first aider available at every age group on match days, Having such a valuable lifesaving piece of equipment readily available could make the difference between life and death.

The Fully automatic AED - Require no training to use and cost between £1500 - £1800 Inc VAT

AED Can be purchased at St Johns Ambulance

We hope to also raise funds to purchase the AED, and a sign which would be sited on the clubhouse ensuring all can clearly see we have access to a defibrillator for use on anyone requiring emergency intervention while awaiting an ambulance.

Every penny counts so no matter how much or little you can spare we are extremely grateful and though we truly hope our defibrillator never needs to be used, you know that your donation has gone to potentially saving a life should the worst happen.