A NEW defibrillator is now in place outside Stalybridge Celtic Football Club – thanks to the determination of the club’s supporters and support from the local community.
The life-saving device has been installed at the entrance to Bower Fold after Stalybridge Celtic Supporters’ Association raised the funds themselves.
The project was run independently of the club and the heart-restart system can be used by the public at any time should it be needed.
The stadium on Mottram Road is not only home to the Celts on matchdays but also a busy venue for functions and meetings, meaning the potentially vital equipment could benefit a wide range of people.
Supporters went the extra mile – quite literally – to make it happen. Fundraising efforts included an 11-mile “Three Peaks of Stalybridge” walk last year taking in Hough Hill, Wild Bank and Harridge Pike, alongside a Stalybridge-themed quiz night and a JustGiving campaign.
Together, the efforts raised more than £2,300. A generous donation was also received from the family of the late Keith Trudgeon, former press officer of the football club.
Additional backing came from both Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club and HR Building and Maintenance, who helped bring the installation to fruition.
Shaun Bishop, on behalf of the Supporters’ Association, told The Correspondent: “We are delighted that our fundraising efforts have meant that we can install this defibrillator on the club’s grounds.
“This potentially life-saving equipment is now there to be used by anyone in the community should the unfortunate emergency ever arise. We can’t thank people enough who helped us with our fundraising efforts to make this happen.
“And also a big thank you to HR Building and Maintenance who installed the defib and to Stalybridge and Dukinfield Rotary who provided the machine and support along the way.”
The initiative is the latest in a string of fundraising efforts by the club and its supporters.