Last September, Table Tennis England announced an exciting partnership with London Hearts to support table tennis clubs across England to gain access to defibrillators.

In celebration of the partnership, and with thanks to London Hearts, Table Tennis England were able to offer three fully funded defibrillators. The winners were selected at random from all the clubs which entered the draw and were:

• Goodwin Table Tennis Club, Hull
• MESC Table Tennis Club, Stoke
• Warminster Table Tennis Club, Wilts

Here’s what the clubs had to say:

Malcolm Dawson (MESC Table Tennis Club Chairman)

We entered the London Hearts defibrillator draw via Table Tennis England as we have a very active ‘seniors and veterans’ section, a number of who play competitively locally and nationally, but fall into ‘at risk category age groups’ where we thought a defibrillator at the club would give them and others who may join in the future added piece of mind.  We also have a number of members who have existing heart conditions and this addition to our club will give them added comfort also.

The members had asked previously if we would provide a defibrillator and we were looking into purchasing one, but the provision of this one through Table Tennis England and London Hearts has enabled us to improve our provision and save us a considerable amount of money which is increasingly important during these very difficult times for our club/sport during the Coronavirus pandemic.

We would like to thank everyone from both organisations for their help and support.

Mike Fricker, on behalf of Warminster Table Tennis Club

“I must admit to not knowing much about defibs before, but as we have some very keen senior members thought it would be good to have one. The club, and our members are delighted to have this available should it be needed.

We use part of Warminster Cricket Club’s premises and are talking to them and the local council with a view to have it mounted outside for the greater good of the community.

Dave Randerson on behalf of Goodwin TTC

Goodwin Table Tennis Club entered the draw recently held by Table Tennis England and London Hearts for a chance to win a new defibrillator because as a busy full-time club we felt it would be a good device to have readily available on site that could benefit our members and other building users if required in an emergency, but of course hope we never have to use it.

** Prices for defibrillators start from £800 and include an indoor wall bracket, ongoing CPR and Defib training, and free maintenance (including pad replacement). More information about London Hearts, and the lifesaving equipment they provide can be found by clicking here.