Thanks to the Richmond Heavies Foundation the club has taken delivery of a free portable Automated External Defibrillator (AED) worth over £1,500. This is obviously a fantastic addition to Old Sulians and will mean that we are able to offer better care to players, supporters and visitors.
The Richmond Heavies Foundation was formed following several premature deaths of rugby friends within Richmond Rugby Club. The Heavies are the veterans’ team within the club and through the herculean efforts of one of the Heavies, Rupert Allhusen, who became the first rugby prop to ever swim the English Channel, they have established a Defibrillator Fund and are now three years into their mission to expand provision of life-saving defibrillators in community rugby clubs across the country.
With over 1,000 community rugby clubs in England, their goal is that no club should be without a defibrillator due to lack of funds. The Defibrillator Fund has been set up to provide defibrillators to community rugby clubs who cannot afford this life-saving device. The frightening images of Christian Eriksen receiving live-saving care on the pitch at the recent Euros in front of a global TV audience have highlighted the stark reality that without the timely intervention of trained people with a working defibrillator, lives will be lost. This support is standard procedure for most elite sporting events, but within the community game this support is lacking due to lack of investment and awareness.
The Heavies are solely funded by donations and their own fundraising efforts for the betterment of the rugby community. You can support the Heavies with their future fundraising and ensure more amateur rugby clubs like Old Sulians benefit by donating to their fundraiser.
Ten members of the Heavies are fundraising this week, by cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats. They will be stopping by Old Sulians RFC to have an isotonic Gem this Sunday, 5th September. If you are free, please stop by and say thanks! To find out more about this fundraiser and donate, click here