Accrington Stanley Women are now fully equipped with a brand-new mobile defibrillator, thanks to the support of #AmazingAccrington and funding from the Duchy of Lancaster and Lancashire County Council councillors.
The grant was awarded following successful funding bids submitted by #AmazingAccrington, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in supporting local sports and player safety.
The arrival of the defibrillator comes at a particularly meaningful time for the club, following the recent diagnosis of first-team footballer Erin Lavelle with a heart condition.
Erin has been managing her condition with determination and professionalism, continuing to play an integral role in the Stanley Women squad. The mobile defibrillator now provides an extra layer of reassurance for all players, coaches and officials during training and matches.
The initiative was championed by #AmazingAccrington, alongside Stanley Women’s Head of Player Support, Sam Tennant and Erin’s mother, Becky Frost. Their combined efforts helped highlight the importance of immediate medical support for all players, ensuring that the club is equipped to respond effectively in any emergency.
Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supported Accrington Stanley Women in securing this vital equipment. It’s heartening to see our community come together to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the players.
“This defibrillator is more than just a piece of equipment, it’s reassurance for every player, coach and official that their health is a top priority.”
Sami Smithson, Chair of Accrington Stanley Women, said: “Having a mobile defibrillator on hand is so important for our club. It gives peace of mind to everyone involved, knowing that we are prepared in the event of a medical emergency.
“We can’t thank #AmazingAccrington enough for writing the funding bid, and we are extremely grateful to the Duchy of Lancaster and Lancashire County Council councillors for providing the funding that made this possible. This is a real win for our players and our wider community.”
The mobile defibrillator will accompany Accrington Stanley Women to all games and training sessions, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of the club’s priorities.
You can learn more about Accrington Stanley Women on their website: www.aswomen.org
