Defibrillators donated in memory of football fan

The family of a football coach who died suddenly after going into cardiac arrest while travelling on a bus have raised enough money in his memory to pay for four defibrillators.

Wolverhampton Wanderers fan Chris Gill, from Wombourne, Staffordshire, died aged 56, and his family said they had been told by medics he may have survived if lifesaving equipment was available nearby.

Mr Gill's wife Sharon and son Harry said they wanted to raise awareness of this and set up a GoFundMe page that raised more than £4,700.

The first of the four defibrillators was presented to AFC Wulfrunians before their game with Atherstone Town last weekend.

"Harry and I feel that football was in Chris' blood whether he was supporting his beloved gold and black or adding his backing to the non-league game with his coaching," Ms Gill said.

"We have been told that his life may have been saved if a defibrillator was available and we don't want tragic events like we've gone through to happen to others."

The family aimed to raise £1,000 and said they were pleased to have overtaken that target.

"The level of support shows you exactly how much people loved and cared for Chris, who was a big personality in kids' football," Ms Gill added.

One defibrillator has been donated to the workplace of Mr Gill's best friend and two to Darlaston Town football club, where family relative Dean Gill is manager.

The AFC Wulfrunians' machine will be installed in a cabinet outside the ground so that the community can access it when required, alongside a plaque in Mr Gill's memory, his family said.

Danny Butler, commercial director at the club, said: "We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sharon and Harry for their generosity in donating such a vital piece of equipment in memory of Chris, who was a massive football man.

"We have seen cardiac arrests happen on football pitches and in the stands, so this donation could well save a life in the future."

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