Alfie raising money to buy defibrillator
AN 11-year-old Suffolk footballer is raising money to buy a defibrillator for his club.
Alfie Woolnough, who lives in Needham Market, was watching the Denmark versus Finland Euro 2020 group match last Saturday when Christian Eriksen collapsed.
The Danish midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest during the group match in Copenhagen and required urgent medical attention.
Eriksen is recovering in hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition, but the incident left its mark on the youngster.
Alfie, who plays for Maestros FC on Saturdays and Needham Phoenix on Sundays, also trains once a week at Ipswich Town’s Advanced Training Centre at Needham Market.
He decided he wanted to raise money to purchase a defibrillator for Maestros FC, who play at Delson’s Meadow in Stonham Aspal, which is used by players from three years old up to the first team.
Alfie (pictured above) has undertaken to run/cycle 100 miles in the next month to raise money for a defibrillator.
His mum Emma Woolnough said: “We sat watching the game like everyone else and saw it unfold before our eyes.
“I am a student nurse so I knew and understood what was happening. Alfie started asking questions about if an incident like that happened at his football club would a person die?
“He wanted to know why they don’t have a defibrillator at his football club and could they get one?
“I said it wasn’t that simple, but when I explained the situation he decided he wanted to raise money to buy one. Alfie is the type of boy who always puts other people before himself.
“We spoke to his manager who as soon as he heard was right behind what Alfie wanted to do.
“Delson’s Meadow is used for football by youngsters from three-years old, so it will benefit every age group right up to the first team.”
A gofundme page was set up and raised £200 in the first 24 hours, and the total currently stands at £300 towards Alfie's goal of £1,500.
Mrs Woolnough said: “Any donation is going to be beneficial and will be appreciated, however big or small.”
To donate click on the link below.
