BROMSGROVE Rovers AFC under-14s side is celebrating success on and off the pitch after receiving generous donations towards the purchase of a defibrillator which coincided with the team winning three trophies, writes Neil Gordon.
The donations came after under-14s parent representative David Steatham launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the £1,000 needed for a defibrillator.
His son Riley, who plays for the under-14s, has a gene defect and David wanted the team to be prepared in an emergency.
David said: “My eldest son Owen unfortunately has a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which caused him to have a cardiac arrest when he was just 10 years-old. Mercifully, Owen survived and is aged 20 now.
“My family were tested and we discovered my youngest son Riley and I have the same gene defect as Owen, which could lead to the same condition. As Riley plays for the under-14s, I launched the fundraiser as a precaution.
“I checked social media to see if anyone could donate towards the defibrillator and discovered Bromsgrove charity Bruce’s Defibrillator Fundraiser. I contacted Bruce and am thrilled he could help.”
Founder of Bruce’s Defibrillator Fundraising, Bruce Hims, said: “David contacted me about his son and what had happened and said they had raised £500. I suggested he forward the £500 on and then I, along with Andy Bennett of the Harry Bennett Foundation, would donate the remaining funds needed.
“After the £500 had been received the Harry Bennett Foundation donated £180 and I contributed £370 which was enough to buy a defibrillator and pads.”
Bruce took the new defibrillator to the under-14s final league game of last season and watched on as the team claimed the league title. More success followed when they secured the Central Warwickshire Open Cup and League Cup, with Bruce now agreeing to sponsor the team next season for £500.
Bruce began fundraising to buy a defibrillator in 2018 during Sober October as he wanted to do something positive for the community. However, his bucket collections were so successful, coupled to generous donations from family and friends, he was able to buy three of the life-saving kits.
Since then Bruce has raised enough money to buy eight defibrillators.
He added: “I am just proud to help the community.”
David and the under-14s side expressed their gratitude to Andy and Bruce for their generosity and are now urging other sports teams to buy a defibrillator.
