Molesey Boat Club has extended its defibrillator cover, thanks to a grant from the charity RALPHH.
One of the leading rowing clubs in the country, Molesey Club members have gone forward in achieving national and international honours and the Club has always prided itself on pushing individuals to great achievements, but simultaneously maintaining a focus on safety.
A new portable defibrillator is now available for coaching personnel to take on the River Thames, as well as at regattas and other events in different parts of this country and internationally. RALPHH made a significant grant available, as part of its work to increase defibrillator numbers in locations where people undertake strenuous sporting activity. Established in 2018 the Robert Allen Life Promotion and Healthy Hearts Trust (RALPHH) takes its name from the late Robert Allen, who was a National Schools’ Rowing Champion, who died suddenly from a heart attack. The charity is based in Surbiton and has worked with schools and rowing clubs across England and Wales.
Molesey already had access to defibrillation equipment on the river frontage of its clubhouse, as well as in the extensive Ergo rowing machine gymnasium. The next portable machine providing extra flexibility at both its home base and further afield.
Pictured receiving the new defibrillator from RALPHH Trustee Susy Broekhuizen is Ian Knight (left), Vice-President of Molesey Boat Club and Club Secretary Brian Dobson. It is planned that club members will have familiarisation training with defibrillators in the coming weeks.
RALPHH has been very active in providing safety support on this stretch of the River Thames. A link with the Environment Agency last summer has resulted in defibrillators also being available at Molesey and Sunbury Locks.