THE COLLAPSE of footballer Christian Eriksen at the Euros has led to a major fundraiser to purchase a defibrillator in a local Lifford community.
The Connolly family, who are well aware of the importance of defibrillators, were spurred by the Eriksen’s medical emergency to get a vital campaign up and running.
Eddie and Louise Connolly have now raised over €2,300 in less than two weeks to purchase a device for the Argey, Ballindrait area.
Visit their GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hannahs-defibrillator-drive
Their mission was inspired by their daughter Hannah. Hannah, now 11, was born with a major heart defect and required emergency surgery in Crumlin just days after her birth. She had another subsequent open heart surgery at 18 months.
While the family have previously fundraised for Crumlin hospital and for Ronald McDonald House, they have now decided it is time to bring the matter that is close to their hearts, closer to home.
Danish footballer Eriksen’s televised collapse and subsequent recovery brought worldwide attention to the crucial need for defibrillators in sports grounds and local communities.
The goals of the Connolly’s Defibrillator Drive is to raise enough funds to install a defibrillator in the local area and ensure that all the steps are taken in Lifford to avoid unnecessary and preventable tragedy. Awareness and training will form key parts of this project.
If you wish to donate, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hannahs-defibrillator-drive