Rior to Saturdays game against Glasgow Hawks, Dundee High School FP Rugby Club received an automated external defibrillator (AED) thanks to partnership funding between the Craig Hodgkinson Memorial Trust, British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Rugby clubs and community sporting venues across Scotland may receive life-saving equipment thanks to this unique partnership which came into being following the tragic death in 2007 of 27-year-old Royal Marine, Craig Hodgkinson from an undiagnosed heart condition while playing rugby. Some sources estimate that as many as 12 seemingly healthy young people die in the UK every week from similar heart problems.

The Craig Hodgkinson Memorial Trust was established to provide defibrillators to sporting venues throughout Scotland. 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 AEDs which are now being placed across Scotland with guidance from the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Training in the use of the AED will be delivered by Scottish Ambulance Service Community Resuscitation Development Officer Keith Cameron

Dundee High President Gerry Tosh said: “Dundee High Rugby 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 Dundee"

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.”

Picture: Keith Cameron St.Johns ambulance service. Dr Stan Hannah Dundee High Rugby Club Doctor, Gerry Tosh Club President, John Hodgkinson, Dr Tom Dymock

This article was posted on 9-Mar-2010, 13:44 by Hugh Barrow.