A defibrillator has been installed at the entrance to Ross-on-Wye Rugby Club in Greytree.

The lifesaving piece of medical equipment can be used by players, spectators, and anyone who lives in the Greytree area. A kissing gate has been installed at the club, so even when the rugby grounds are closed, pedestrians will still be able to get into the site to access the defib.

Michelle Jeffrey, a who plays for Ross Ladies and coaches the Ross Pups, told the Ross Gazette that the Rugby Club are very grateful to several community groups and individuals for their efforts to get the defib installed at the club, and they would like to thank everybody who contributed.

Michelle commented that the local branch of The Oddfellows had been very generous; they bought the cabinet for the defib and donated funds to establish an electrical supply from the rugby club to where the defibrillator is housed. She added that Ross Lions also donated funds to help with this.

Michelle also applied for a donation from Lucozade and Ribena Suntory’s charity fund, of which she was successful.

Tim Morris of Morris and Aubrey electricians, Jake Christopher and Casey Morgan of Morgan Fencing all also gave their time and talent to the Rugby Club to help get the defib up and running.

Members of the Rugby Club have received training from the West Midlands Ambulance Service on how to use the piece of life-saving medical equipment.

Michelle told the Gazette that the Rugby Club have been trying to get a defib to Greytree for around eight months, after members went on a first aid course and learned of the massive benefits that a defib has, particularly in a location where so many residents and visitors keep active.