Community News

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LEARN CPR, SAVE A LIFE!

RESTART A HEART DAY 18TH OCTOBER 2022

Anyone can be affected by a sudden cardiac arrest at any time, and without intervention, the person will not live.

When someone collapses and stops breathing normally, it is important to quickly call 999, perform CPR and use a defibrillator to give the patient the best chance of survival. Jason Carlyon, Community Engagement Manager with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said, “There have been many high-profile cardiac arrests among professional footballers in recent years, including Christian Eriksen, Fabrice Muamba, Glen Hoddle and David Ginola, as well as fans at football stadiums, and we have all seen how the quick reaction of witnesses has undoubtedly saved their lives. But not everyone is as lucky. In the UK, only 10% of people who suffer a cardiac arrest out of hospital survive, partly because they don’t receive early CPR and defibrillation. It is therefore vital that we give people the confidence and skills to perform CPR in this ultimate medical emergency and we are delighted that Harrogate Town is supporting our campaign and helping us to achieve our goal of saving more lives.” As part of the campaign, ambulance staff and volunteers visited 136 of Yorkshire’s secondary schools to teach CPR to more than 30,000 students to raise awareness of Restart a Heart Day. Players from Harrogate Town AFC will also be wearing warm up t-shirts to raise awareness of CPR and have been involved in a video to help teach the basic steps required to assist someone in need. Find out how you can learn CPR at

restartaheart.yas.nhs.uk/

The Restart a Heart campaign is supported by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity. Find out more at www.yascharity.org.uk/

SPORTING MEMORIES

We aim to bring people together in a fun and safe environment through our Sporting Memories programme. There are a range of activities to get involved in, family and friends are welcome. The most recent meeting brought up fascinating conversations about family, watching sporting events and music! For more information contact

stevepattison@ harrogatetownafc.com

John Wallace and Helen Greensit (Service Manager for Mind in Harrogate)

DEFIBRILLATOR INSTALLED ON COMMERCIAL STREET THANKS TO TOWN SUPPORTERS FUNDRAISING MASCOT

Jim Brewer Age 9

Jim is our mascot today to celebrate his 10th birthday early next week and his favourite players are Luke Armstrong an Alex Pattison.

FLAGBEARERS

Thirsk Falcons Under 11s

Our partnership with Commercial Street in the centre of Harrogate continues to flourish as we install an external cabinet and public access defibrillator.

Fundraising for the defibrillator started last year, where Harrogate Town AFC supporters donated and bid on matchworn player shirts and items. The successful appeal has meant that we can look to assist someone who may be at risk of cardiac arrest in or around Commercial Street or in the centre of town. Iain Service, Head of the Community Foundation for Harrogate Town AFC explains, “To be able to install this public access defibrillator is a great way to support the people of Harrogate. We pride ourselves on being a part of the community and must thank Town supporters for their generosity in helping us get to our fundraising amount. In some ways we hope it will never be used, however every minute counts and hopefully it can make a big difference in saving someones life”. The defibrillator is located by ‘The Cheeseboard’ and will be entered onto the National Defibrillator Network so people know where it is and how to access the cabinet. The purchase of the defibrillator was assisted by a grant from London Hearts, a leading heart charity in the UK for placing defibrillators in communities and delivering CPR and defibrillator training. Over the next few weeks we will be looking to signpost people to access and learn more about CPR and see if we can make a big difference and save lives. Established in 1948, and celebrating their 75th anniversary this season, Thirsk Falcons, provides a balance of quality football for all ages and gender. The Under 11s have almost 30 active players, many of whom started as the Fledglings (4-6 year olds). The group continued to grow as they move through the formats of Junior football.