Ex Spurs and England footballer Glenn Hoddle donates defibrillator to AFC Minster on Sheppey
Published: 16:26, 19 February 2020
Updated: 11:33, 21 February 2020
Former England football manager Glenn Hoddle has donated a life-saving machine to a football club on Sheppey.
The television pundit called in on AFC Minster today to handover a defibrillator and help share life-saving skills for the British Heart Foundation.
Joe Coshan went to visit the England legend
His awareness drive began after he suffered a cardiac arrest while at the BT Sport studios.
It was on October 27, 2018 - his 61st birthday - when he collapsed.
Sound engineer Simon Daniels performed CPR until paramedics arrived. He ended up needing a quadruple heart bypass.
He was inspired to set up a scheme to donate defibrillators to football clubs all over the country.
Speaking at AFC Minster at Sheppey Sports Ground, Halfway, he said: "It's fabulous to be able to donate a defibrillator for AFC Minster.
"Hopefully it won't get used here but the insurance is here if it's needed."
Coaches were trained in how to use the equipment so they know what to do if someone has a cardiac arrest.
After winning the FA Cup twice and the Uefa Cup with Tottenham as a player, Hoddle had a successful managerial career with Swindon and Chelsea.
He was made England manager in 1996 and also had spells in charge of Southampton, Spurs and Wolves.
He added: "CPR is so important as it goes hand in hand with the defibrillator.
"It's imperative that we get as many of them into clubs as possible. It saved my life."
Chairman of AFC Minster, Geoff Oniye, added: “I still have to pinch myself that Glenn Hoddle’s chosen our little club to come and promote one of the most important pieces of kit that we have had and will have the pleasure of owning, which could, without trying to sound too morbid, be the difference between life and death.”
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Steve Waite