In 2011, Joe Kellogg tragically collapsed and died of an undetected heart condition whilst at a football training session for Borrowash Victoria FC. The family of Joe Kellogg have since raised money for the charity CRY and started a campaign to ensure all football grounds in the UK have a defibrillator. Statistics identify that every week in the UK, 12 apparently fit and healthy young 14-35 year olds die from undiagnosed cardiac conditions (CRY, 2015). The percentage chance of saving a life if a defibrillator is used in the first 3 minutes is 74% and if used in the first 10 minutes the chance of survival is 35%.

The Kellogg family have raised enough money for a defibrillator and wanted a Derbyshire FA club to benefit. To do so, they asked Derbyshire FA affiliated clubs to submit an application to receive the donation of a defibrillator for their ground.

The application period took place during October and, after all applications had been reviewed, Newhall United were chosen. The Kellogg family will present the defibrillator to the club on Saturday 9th December at Hawfields Football Ground before their fixture with Allestree.

Newhall United have been chosen for the prestigious donation as the Kellogg family believed that as the location of the Hawfield ground is over 25 minutes away from the nearest hospital, the defibrillator is vital as quick intervention is needed when a cardiac arrest occurs. The Kellogg’s also added that on a weekly basis there any many individuals involved in football activity at the Hawfield Ground as footballers, officials and spectators so the defibrillator may be needed at any time. Newhall United have also committed to putting at least two members of the club on key training and storing the vital piece of equipment in their clubhouse.

Mick Draycott, Chairman of Newhall United said “We would like to send our greatest thanks and we are completely overwhelmed to be the successful recipient of a defibrillator for our club. With this vital piece of life saving equipment, a club like Newhall United, financially would have never of had the opportunity to purchase something with such enormity of value. The club being well established and founded in 1926, it has been in the heart of the community for over 90 years, this shows the stability of the club and its foundations. 

“Having such an important medical instrument now being placed within the club, it will be here for years to come. The popularity of the club, running from juniors to seniors and with social events alike, the club is used many times throughout a season and with the closest hospital being around 25 minutes away, the defibrillator will give a greater hope and chance of life in the unfortunate event that we need to use it. With much more awareness now being present in the importance of defibrillators, Newhall United F.C are honoured to be part of this greater awareness and again send many thanks for being the lucky recipients.”

The Kellogg family, Newhall United and Derbyshire FA would like to extend the invitation to all local press to attend the presentation of the defibrillator that is taking place on Saturday 9th December 2017 (kick-off 2pm) at Hawfield Football Ground, Newhall, Swadlincote.

If you would like more information on the award of the defibrillator, or the Kellogg’s family commitment towards petitioning for a defibrillator to be at every football ground, please contact Leah Kellogg on 07535 764977 or by email liakellogg123@icloud.com 

You can also contact Cath Morton, County Welfare Officer, who has offered support to the Kellogg family during the application process, on 01332 361422 or by email cath.morton@derbyshirefa.com