‘Forget the cup - go out and win a defibrillator’

Martina Hughes, whose ten-year-old son Eoghan attends St. Colman’s and had open heart surgery, set up a campaign along with teacher Art Kernaan to have defibrillators placed in all schools by 2015.

Their campaign has already helped train St. Colman’s Primary School staff.

Now next Thursday, Defibrib4kids set up a fun football tournament with a chance for primary schools Pond Park, St. Annes, Ballymacward, Ballymacricket, Meadowbridge, Dunmurry, Maghaberry and Good Shepherd win a defibrillator.

“We have said if our campaign helps save one life then it is worth it,” said Martina.

“St. Colmans, through Defibs4kids campaign have already two defibrillators on site and now want to help more schools with their fundraising and therefore set up this fun football tournament,” said Martina.

“The eight schools that have joined St. Colman’s in this tournament have all committed to fundraising for a defibrillator and every child participating will raise some money towards that school’s fund.”

The Tournament is being supported by Heartsine, Sport NI, and Lisburn City Council.

The Mayor of Lisburn, Margaret Tollerton, will be in attendance to help make the presentations.

“While one lucky school will win a defibrillator on the day, Defibs4kids will continue to support other schools in their fundraising efforts,” said Martina.

A group of staff from St. Colman’s Primary have organised a sponsored walk on April 25 from their Gas Works premises to Lisburn Civic Centre.