Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and supporter groups we currently have two defibrillators at SJP, one in Red Square and one in the Adam Stansfield Stagecoach Stand.
It was a medical emergency at SJP during a match that reminded us of the need to have a defibrillator available on both sides of the ground, and now we have to turn our attention to the Cliff Hill Training Ground.
Our 3G pitch is used by club and academy players but also by others including the MAN v FAT group run by Pete Ferlie and the City Community Trust.
This year a player at the MAN v FAT group in Northampton had a cardiac arrest at a session, and sadly he did not survive.
Recently, an Exeter City Walking Footballer was also taken ill whilst playing - Thankfully he has recovered thanks in large to treatment received via a defibrillator at the facility within a few minutes, which highlights the need for a unit to be as close as possible to the pitch.
In order to keep everyone safe it is clear that we need a defibrillator at the Cliff Hill and, for once, Covid has come to our aid. An empty stand means a defibrillator is not needed so we will take the opportunity to move the defibrillator from the Adam Stansfield Stand to the 3G pitch at the Cliff Hill so that all players there will be protected.
At the same time, we will be working to raise funds to ensure that a new defibrillator will be in place when supporters are permitted back in the Stadium.
Pete Ferlie is coordinating this project - with more details to follow - but should you have any thoughts on the initiative or wish to make an early pledge to the scheme, please contact Elaine Davis via: eadavis5@hotmail.com.
So far a HUGE £1100 has been donated in record time from our amazing supporter groups!