Lizzie Jones launches Defibrillator Fund
Lizzie Jones is spearheading a new campaign to raise funds for equipment that could prove the difference between life and death at rugby league clubs across the UK.
Jones has launched the Danny Jones Defribulator Fund, which is named in honour of her late husband.
She has joined up with the RFL Benevolent Fund to raise money to create a fund that provide assistance to community clubs and junior teams to purchase a defibrillator.
Defribillators cost around £1,000each and provide potentially life-saving treatment to anyone suffering a heart attack.
“This is my way of saying a big ‘Thank You’ to the wider Rugby League family for all they have done for me and my children since we lost Danny,” Jones said.
“The professional and semi-professional players are now getting screened, which is fantastic, and it’s important that we do all we can to protect the welfare of the men, women and children who gain so much pleasure from playing the game at community level.
“£1,000 doesn’t seem like a lot of money but as anyone who’s been involved with grassroots sport will know, every penny matters and I am proud to be associated with another project which means Danny’s death will not have been in vain.”
Jones launched the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund with a performance at the Super League fixture, Warrington Wolves v Hull Kingston Rovers at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on St Valentine’s Day.
And to kick off the fund in style, Lizzie made a personal donation of £1,000 which she hopes companies, professional clubs and individual clubs will add to in the weeks and months ahead.
Steve Ball, General Manager of the RFL Benevolent Fund, said: “We are delighted that Lizzie has asked to play such an active role in the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund and I am sure we will see another magnificent response from Rugby League fans.
“Incidents of cardiac illness are thankfully very rare in sport but the presence of a defibrillator at every match will provide peace of mind for both players and their families.
“Donations can be made to the fund via a Just Giving page and we would urge everyone to give what they can to this very worthy cause.”
The campaign has set a fund-raising target of £50,000: to make a donation please visit www.rflbenevolentfund.co.uk.
