MP99 Present North Lindum Hawks with Mobile Defib
The charity set up in memory of Michael Palmer, MP99, have awarded North Lindum Hawks with a new mobile defibrillator following a funding donation from Lincolnshire Football Association.
On Saturday 25th February, Michael Palmer (23) tragically collapsed and lost his life following a cardiac arrest while playing for Crowland Town Reserves FC in a match against Leverington Town Reserves FC. Attempts were made to save Michael, but he sadly never regained consciousness.
Michael’s family set up a Crowdfunding page to purchase mobile defibrillators for local football teams that can be taken pitch side. Having set an initial target of £2,000 to purchase two defibrillators, the appeal has so far outstandingly raised over £14,000.
In partnership with ‘London Hearts’, MP99 have also recently delivered defibrillators to Crowland, Tydd, Sutton Bridge, Holbeach Bank, Orton Rangers, PBC Swimming Club and Leverington.
Lincolnshire FA recently supplied the charity with two more mobile defibrillators, ready to be donated and delivered to two Lincolnshire affiliated clubs – one of which has been presented to North Lindum Hawks.
Louis Bradley, Club Secretary at North Lindum Hawks, said: “We are extremely grateful to be provided with the MP99 Mobile Defibrillator. As a club of 27 teams, we knew it was imperative to have a mobile defibrillator at pitch side every week.
A mobile defibrillator will give someone the best possible chance of survival should the worst happen. We are extremely proud to receive one of these from Mike Palmer [Founder of MP99], who is trying to help all grassroots football across Lincolnshire and should be proud of what he’s achieving.
We would like to thank MP99 and Lincolnshire FA for making us aware of the funding available, and we as a club will now make others aware of how important having not just a static defibrillator, but a mobile one, is”.
To apply for a mobile defibrillator from MP99, clubs can email enquiries@mp99.org.uk where they will need to sign up to the £10 per month subscription to cover batteries and pads that keeps the defibrillators maintained and ready for use at all times.
Mike Palmer, Father of Michael and founder of MP99, said: “There is a finite window of opportunity to save a person’s life when their heart stops, a window that was exceeded in Michael’s case, but should not have been. As a football club you will have players, supporters, and volunteers, of all ages attending matches and events. No one knows when a device will be needed, it could be anyone, including you, that needs the attention and in under 5 minutes. With a defibrillator pitch side, and with the physio of both clubs, taking it on to the pitch each time, those precious minutes make all the difference, and they may have done for Michael. Do not let our story become your story, or your families.”
Nick Hanson, CEO of Lincolnshire FA, said: “The passing of Michael touched the entire football community in Lincolnshire, and we are committed to supporting the MP99 campaign and Mike and his family. MP99 aims to provide as many portable defibs as possible to ensure where possible no other family experience losing a loved one playing or watching the game we all love.
North Lindum Hawks have become the latest beneficiary of the incredible work that Mike Palmer is doing and the club receiving their defib is another step towards ensuring that every club has the life saving equipment on standby for every game”.
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