Chris Davis from Gosport & Fareham Walking Rugby set up the Dying for A Defib appeal after 82-year old David Croft from the Gosport Road Runners suffered a cardiac arrest last July whilst preparing for a run.
Fortunately, the Rugby Club was open at the time as the Walking Rugby team were playing close by. Several players rushed to his aid and started resuscitation as his breathing had stopped and he had no pulse. Matthew Crofts, a volunteer for the Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS), was helping David and he knew that a defibrillator was needed so he asked someone to fetch the one inside the Rugby Club and they had already called an ambulance. His training as a lifeboat volunteer meant that he remained calm and knew exactly what to do when the defibrillator arrived.
David responded well and was successfully revived, and the paramedics who attended said that the defibrillator saved his life. They took him to Queen Alexandra Hospital and Matthew (known as Taff) received an emotional message from David’s wife Ros and daughter Emma. They phoned him a week later saying, “We want to give you our heartfelt thanks for your prompt, selfless actions, bringing David back after his cardiac arrest.”
Following this incident, it was clear that David would have died if the indoor defibrillator had not been available and so there was an urgent need for an outdoor defibrillator which was always accessible. Chris Davis set up the appeal immediately and raised enough money for a defibrillator outside the Rugby Club.
The Mayor of Gosport, Cllr Kirsten Bradley, the Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Louise Clubley and Dame Caroline Dinenage MP for Gosport, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head unveiled the new equipment on 20th December and David’s wife, daughter and granddaughter were at the ceremony, along with Taff and Chris Davis.
Taff said, “Receiving a message from David’s family was a tear jerker, even for me as a lifeboat volunteer and former military man. Outdoor defibrillators save lives and that’s why we are fundraising. Bayside Cabin kindly held a Christmas Market which raised £309 and we’re having a Horse Racing Night at the Rugby Club on Friday 27th February. We are also planning a sponsored Lifeboat Pull with GAFIRS in April. Our target is £10,000 and you can donate to the appeal via Just Giving.” Visit this link Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving
Quiz master, Gary Parker lives in Gosport and said, “I’m really pleased with the amount raised. Knowing that money from the charity quiz will help people near me in the future is a nice thought. I want to thank everyone who came along and the team at Bayside Cabin as they looked after over 110 people last Friday!”
Tickets for the quiz cost £15 and included a delicious buffet and a £5 donation per person from Bayside Cabin. Owner Adrian Chalk said, “It was a pleasure to support the Dying for a Defib appeal. Gary’s quizzes are always fun and everyone enjoyed the evening. I want to thank everyone who donated raffle prizes too and we’ll be hosting more charity events throughout the year so please keep an eye on our social media or pop in and ask.”
Stokes Bay is very popular with runners, walkers and families, and having a community defibrillator there will mean that anyone who needs help after cardiac arrest will have a better chance of survival.
Bayside Cabin is open every day and serves breakfast, lunch and Afternoon Tea, as well as Sunday roasts, and stunning views across Stokes Bay make it an ideal wedding reception venue. They have various live music events planned and Gary Parker is hosting a Bingo Night on Friday 27th February with a top prize of £100. Tickets are £15, including a buffet. Phone the cafe on 02392 581426 to book a table.
1. Contributed
Unveiling of new defibrillator at Gosport & Fareham Rugby Club Photo: Submitted
