One of Barrow AFC’s most loyal fans has joined forces with JF Hornby & Co’s Have a Heart campaign to provide a defibrillator for the club’s So Legal Stadium.
Ray Maguire, a lifelong supporter of the Bluebirds, heard about our mission to install lifesaving kits in areas of the Furness peninsula that would benefit the most.
He immediately thought of his beloved community and football club, pledging to donate £1,000 to make a difference to others.
Ray said: “It’s a small gesture from me and my wife Joan to the club and its fans. It’s a fantastic place and somewhere the community can come together to cheer on the lads. I’m happy to be able to help.”
Although the club always has a defibrillator on hand for match days, it is not publicly available when the stadium is closed.
Ray’s donation will fund a defibrillator that will be housed on an external wall of the club’s main building and will be available 24/7 for passers-by and members of nearby communities.
It was officially handed over by Ray and his wife, Joan, during the half time break of Barrow’s thumping 4-0 win over Port Vale at the weekend.
Paul Hornby, Managing Director of JF Hornby & Co and also the chairman and co-owner of Barrow AFC, said: “Fans like Ray are the lifeblood of Barrow AFC. His generous donation is greatly appreciated and although we, of course, hope the defibrillator is never needed, its presence will provide reassurance to local communities.
“As MD of JF Hornby & Co, I was deeply touched that Ray wanted to support our campaign to save lives. As Chairman of the club, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to Ray on behalf of the staff, fans, and players. His donation is a wonderful gesture that will make a genuine difference.”
The JF Hornby & Co Have a Heart campaign was launched on Valentine’s Day this year with a pledge of £5,000 to deliver four defibrillators to communities most in need.
Due to the volume of requests, Managing Director Paul Hornby doubled the pledge to £10,000, meaning eight of the life-saving devices could be purchased.
Funding is being provided by The Hornby Foundation, the company’s charitable arm.
A partnership has been formed with the British Heart Foundation, from whom the Hornby Foundation is purchasing the equipment.
Defibrillators have so far been handed over to Ford Park in Ulverston and the community of Roa Island, Barrow.
If you would like to nominate your community for a defibrillator, please email jfh@jfhornby.com
