'It can happen to anyone' - Island charity reacts to Eriksen collapse

Craig's Heartstrong Foundation funds lifesaving defibrillators

A heart screening charity on the Isle of Man is urging people to continue to donate to its lifesaving work to fund defibrillators.

Craig's Heartstrong Foundation says seeing professional footballer Christian Eriksen collapse during a Euro 2020 game yesterday is a reminder it can happen to anyone.  

The Denmark player was given CPR and required the use of a defibrillator on the pitch – he's now stable and recovering in hospital.  

Defibrillators can increase a person's survival rate from seven per cent to 70 per cent.  

In a post on Facebook the charity's paid tribute to the 'amazing reactions' of the referee, players and medics who administered treatment.  

It said: "The importance of these machines only highlights further what we are trying to do on the Island by having public access defibrillators everywhere you go.  

"The Eriksen incident has a happy ending but a lot of these stories don't.  

"Please continue to donate, please continue to check your defibrillator pads and batteries and please let this story be a reminder that it doesn't matter how fit and healthy you are, this can happen to anyone." 

Craig's Heartstrong Foundation was set up in memory of 25-year-old footballer Craig Lunt who died in April 2005 from an undiagnosed heart defect.

You can find more information HERE.