Hoci Cymru has become the latest organisation to receive a free defibrillator from charity RALPHH, with the equipment being stationed at the National Hockey Centre in Sophia Gardens.
Hoci Cymru announced a partnership with RALPHH in April, with hockey clubs around Wales entitled to the gifted defibrillators to be kept pitch side to support during training and matches, and provide a much needed resource for members.
Four hockey clubs have taken the option up so far, with their new vital pieces of equipment set to be installed by mid-June.
At the National Hockey Centre, which hosts some 160 international club and international matches each year, the donated defibrillator will be installed pitch side, housed in a weatherproof box overlooking the playing area.
The handover of the equipment to Hoci Cymru took place on the national pitch, with the above picture showing RALPHH Chairman Richard Allen joining Ella Jackson, Wales Senior Women’s International Goalkeeper and Paul Whapham, our CEO.
These five gifts to hockey in Wales represent RALPHH’s first involvement in the country, but 30 sporting clubs and schools in England have already benefited from either gifted defibrillators or grants towards having them installed.
“We are really pleased to be supporting sport in Wales,” said Richard Allen. “With hockey being such a fast and dynamic game, the efforts made by players is considerable and it is right that proper precautions are in place to safeguard players, coaches and spectators’ safety. Hockey is showing the way in Wales, but we also hope to hear from others sports, just as we do in other parts of Britain.”
Paul Whapham stated:
“We are very pleased to have established this link between Hoci Cyrmu and the generous support of RALPHH. Hockey, among both men and women, is a sport that continues to grow in popularity and the facilities at Sophia Gardens can only be enhanced by hoping for the best and preparing for the unexpected.”
Learn more about RALPHH, and how your club can benefit from a defibrillator, here.