The Brentford Lifeline Society is one of only a few societies in the country to have remained in existence since its inception back in 1986. As mentioned in its title the society is a lifeline to the football club and honours the company by funding projects that are outside of pre-arranged budgets.
The Lifeline Society which is funded by Brentford fans has for several years provided financial support towards cardiac assistance. Over the past 12 months, the society has funded lifesaving equipment for the club and its fans including two defibrillators and a LUCAS machine which provides consistent chest compressions to cardiac arrest patients on the move. These items are available for use at both the Gtech Community Stadium on matchdays and the club’s training ground.
Most recently the society purchased a defibrillator for the Brentford Women’s team, the device which increases survival rate if used effectively on an individual who is suffering from a cardiac arrest, will be left in the safe hands of the women’s teams growing physio department who will have the right equipment should the unfortunate event occur at training or on matchdays.
Speaking on the recent purchase the Chair of The Brentford Lifeline Society, Peter Gilham said: “We were delighted to be able to present the Brentford Women’s team with a defibrillator. We were made aware that there was no such provision within the Women’s team to assist should any of the squad or staff involved on a match or training day suffer a cardiac arrest.
“We feel we are good to our name in helping provide financial assistance whenever and wherever we can, particularly if it is for the wellbeing of players, staff and supporters of the Football club.”
Brentford Women’s General Manager, Amy Crook was left delighted after hearing the news that the women’s team would be receiving the lifesaving equipment.
“I’m extremely grateful that we have received a defibrillator, as General Manager of the Women’s team it’s important to me that all players and staff remain safe and our medical team have the right equipment at hand if anything was to go wrong.
Peter Gilham & Amy Crook
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to the Brentford Lifeline Society for purchasing the defibrillator and to Neil Greig as his recommendation was key to us receiving the lifesaving device.”
In recent years the rise in awareness of heart problems within football has skyrocketed, the FA offering free sudden cardiac awareness courses and the reduced prices of defibrillators are just a few examples of the growing support offered.
Head of Medical at Brentford FC, Neil Greig also had a big role to play in the women’s team receiving a defibrillator and believes every sports club should be treated equally when it comes to cardiac support.
“All of us at Brentford Football Club have, over recent years, tried to ensure that funds and awareness of cardiac health are raised, both in terms of cardiac screening and the lifesaving equipment and skills that are available.
“We know that the lives of around 12 people under the age of 35 are lost due to undiagnosed cardiac conditions on a weekly basis, which means that it’s vital to equip the sports facilities that these individuals use with lifesaving equipment in the form of defibrillators (AED’s).
“Providing the Brentford FC Women’s Team with an AED for their training, travel and matches massively increases the chances of survival, should one of their players or staff be unfortunate enough to suffer a cardiac arrest.
“The safety and well-being of the players and staff of Brentford FC is always paramount in our thinking, and this is another step forwards in ensuring we continue to raise our standard of care.”
Improving heart health in its local community is something which lies deep within the club’s core. In October 2022, Brentford FC announced the launch of its new partnership with the Heart of West London, where they will work together with other organisations to spread the word as they attempt to improve cardiac health in the local area.
Brentford FC has teamed up with Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity to raise £200,000 for ground-breaking sports cardiology research.
Bees fans will be offered 12 places in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, which takes place on 2 April 2023, and six places in Ride London, on 28 May.
Fans can register their interest by completing the form on our fundraising page.
By fundraising for the Heart of West London partnership, fans will receive an exclusive fundraising package, rewards, and money-can’t-buy experiences, subject to the level of funds raised by them.