Ei Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has donated a defibrillator unit from Cardiac Science to the Old Yardleians Rugby Club, Tilehouse Lane, with the aim of potentially saving the lives of those suffering from heart problems whilst at the club.
Tristram Oliver, Committee Member at Old Yardleians Rugby Club, said: “The rugby club is extremely grateful for Ei Group’s defibrillator donation. Our ground is used by a local club called Solihull Archers and there are four other local football teams who play adjacent to our ground, so to have this advanced piece of medical kit available at the club is more than appreciated. Ray Francis devastatingly passed away a few years ago during a rugby match at the club, so to have instant access to a defibrillator, we hope to be in a much better position and could inevitably save a life, thanks to the help of Ei Group.”
Paul Harbottle, Group Commercial Director at Ei Group, added: “We’re delighted to have been able to donate this piece of life-saving medical equipment to the Old Yardleians Rugby Club, who have been so accommodating with hosting our annual summer event for the past three years. Given the regrettable death of Ray Francis, we really wanted to help the club be better equipped should anything like this ever happen again.”