he headquarters of hockey in Wales has become the latest organisation to partner with the charity RALPHH in spreading the availability of defibrillators in British sporting locations.
A defibrillator donated by RALPHH is to be installed pitch-side on the national match site at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Hockey Wales is making arrangements for this to be housed in a weatherproof box overlooking the playing area, which annually hosts some 160 international and club matches.
Through the partnership with Hockey Wales, RALPHH will also be providing defibrillators to four hockey clubs across South and Mid-Wales, which it is planned should take place by the middle of June. These five gifts to hockey in Wales represent RALPHH’s first involvement in the Principality, but already some 30 sporting clubs and schools in England has benefited from either gifted defibrillators or grants towards having them installed.
“We are really pleased to be supporting sport in Wales,” said Richard Allen, Chairman of RALPHH. “With hockey being such a fast and dynamic game, the efforts made by players is considerable and it is right that proper precautions are in place to safeguard players, coaches and spectators’ safety. Hockey is showing the way in Wales, but we also hope to hear from others sports, just as we do in other parts of Britain.”
The handover of the equipment to Hockey Wales took place on the national pitch, with the picture showing Ella Jackson, Wales Senior Women’s International Goalkeeper with Paul Whapham, Chief Executive of Hockey Wales. Richard Allen (right) represented the charity.
Added Paul Whapham; “We are very pleased to have established this link between Hockey Wales and the generous support of RALPHH. Hockey, among both men and women, is a sport that continues to grow in popularity and the facilities at Sophia Gardens can only be enhanced by hoping for the best and preparing for the unexpected.”
The charity RALPHH – established in 2019 – takes its name from the late Robert Allen who gained honours in rowing at Britain-level, but who died unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition. Friends and family created the charity in order that others should enjoy their sport but at the same time reduce the risk of personal harm.
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