UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP TO SAVE LIVES ACROSS SCOTLAND
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
~ Memorial Trust raises £40,000 to buy life-saving machines ~

Rugby clubs and community sporting venues across Scotland may receive life-saving equipment thanks to a unique partnership between the Craig Hodgkinson Memorial Trust, British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The Craig Hodgkinson Memorial Trust was established to provide defibrillators to sporting venues throughout Scotland. A 27-year-old Royal Marine, Craig died suddenly in 2007 from an undiagnosed heart condition while playing rugby. Every week, as many as 12 (1) seemingly health young people die in the UK from similar heart problems.
Craig’s parents established a Trust in his name and to date have raised over £40,000 and, together with BHF Scotland who have matched the sum raised, have purchased 60 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) which are now being placed across Scotland with guidance from the Scottish Ambulance Service.
AEDs are life-saving machines that deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart in order to restore a normal heartbeat after a cardiac arrest. When the heart stops, every second counts – for every minute that passes, the chances of survival drop by 14%. BHF Scotland has over 20 years experience of placing AEDs with GPs, ambulance services and in a range of community settings.
Today Cartha Queen’s Park RFC received an AED thanks to this partnership funding and training delivered by Scottish Ambulance Service Community Resuscitation Development Officer Anne Harrison
A spokesperson for the club/site, (James Jamieson – Club Secretary), said: “ Cartha Queen’s Park Rugby club is delighted to accept such a vital piece of equipment. This machine could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency, and will be a vital resource for our staff, players, supporters and everyone else who uses and visits the club. We are committed to ensure that our staff/volunteers are trained and updated in vital life saving skills.”
John and Diane Hodgkinson, founders of the Craig Hodgkinson Memorial Trust, said: “It is our belief that it might have been possible to have saved Craig's life had a defibrillator been available. For this reason we want to help prevent another family from suffering such a devastating loss.
"We hope that lives will be saved as a result of the defibrillators we are helping to provide around the country, and are proud to support placing this AED in Cartha Queen’s Park RFC."
Marjory Burns, Director of BHF Scotland, said: “My sincere thanks go to the Craig Hodgkinson Memorial Trust, and especially to John and Diane for their commitment to raising such a fantastic amount and creating a lasting and meaningful legacy for Craig. By working with BHF Scotland to purchase these defibrillators, they really will help to save lives.”

This article was posted on 16-Dec-2009, 11:57 by Hugh Barrow.