The Scottish rugby community was stunned in late 2007 when one of the country's brightest talents, Craig Hodgkinson, died on the field of play of an undetected cardiac condition.

Royal Marine Craig collapsed on the eve of his 27th birthday playing for the Royal Navy at Plymouth in November 2007, following a successful career with Glasgow Hawks where he won every major Scottish club honour in a side which dominated club rugby in the late 90's.

He was one of the eight healthy young people who die each week in the UK of unknown cardiac conditions.

Following his death Craig's parents, John and Di Hodgkinson, set out to create a lasting legacy for Craig by ensuring other young sportsmen and women would have life-saving equipment to help prevent the loss of other young lives.

The Craig Hodgkinson Trust was formed to provide defibrillators to sports clubs and organisations throughout the UK. The aim is to have potential life-saving equipment on hand constantly at venues where large numbers of people are participating.

John Hodgkinson explains: “Di and I wanted venues to have equipment available which may save a life should someone suffer an attack.

"There is no guarantee a defibrillator would have saved Craig's life but we feel by providing this type of primary care a life may be saved.

"We set out to raise funds to create an initiative which would deliver as many units as possible."

The main event in the fund-raising programme was the staging of a match between the two sides Craig represented - Glasgow Hawks and the Royal Navy - in May of 2007.

Since then the Hodgkinsons have developed a unique partnership programme which will see 60 (sixty) units made available for donation.

British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland has match-funded the Trust's revenues and Scottish Ambulance Service will provide training to each venue which receives a defibrillator.

Marjory Burns, Director of BHF Scotland, said: "The defibrillators are being placed through the BHF's Heartstart UK programme which teaches members of the public what to do in a life-threatening emergency. This ensures these life-saving machines are placed in the most appropriate locations and that people are trained to use them.

"BHF Scotland is delighted to be associated with the Craig Hodgkinson Trust which is a wonderful legacy in Craig's name."

The placing of these machines in communities will supplement ambulance cover provided by the Ambulance Service and delivers primary care - a key element of the BHF Heartstart UK programme.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “In a medical emergency it is often the basic, simple skills and the use of a defibrillator that can help save a life while the ambulance is on its way.”

The Scottish Rugby Union has added its support for the work of the Trust. Dominic McKay, director of communications and public affairs, said: “Scottish Rugby endeavours to ensure that players are adequately prepared to play rugby and do so in a safe environment.

“We are delighted to be able to support this important initiative.”

Kenny Baillie, Chief Executive of Glasgow Hawks said: "Craig was very much a part of Glasgow Hawks and he is missed by all his friends at the Club. We are delighted to host the game tonight and support the Trust's defibrillator campaign which is keeping Craig's memory alive in a very real way within the rugby community."

Glasgow Hawks were the first club to receive a defibrillator, with a machine also agreed for Hawick RFC, Hillhead Jordanhill RFC, Orkney RFC, the Royal Navy Scottish Rugby Team, and 45 Commando Royal Marines at Arbroath.

Organisations and clubs interested in being considered for the donation of a machine should make application to The Craig Hodgkinson Trust, PO Box 14,
Glasgow G83 9WH or by visiting the Glasgow Hawks website for further information at www.glasgowhawks.com

This article was posted on 18-Feb-2009, 15:06 by Hugh Barrow.