I LOVED the Mike Godfrey Memorial Football Tournament

I LOVED the Mike Godfrey Memorial Football Tournament and Family Fun Day on Saturday 24 June

Despite previously tropical weather, and despite a forecast threatening rain, Saturday 24 June dawned with pretty much perfect footy weather – not too hot, not too sunny. Fortunately it stayed pretty much dry, too. A lot of work had already gone into the day so the right weather was definitely a bonus.

We’re raising money to buy defibrillators for sports facilities in Cheadle Hulme – which will also be available to the public. My husband, Michael, died following an out of hospital cardiac arrest. He collapsed while playing football, and despite his friends’ best efforts with CPR, didn’t regain consciousness, subsequently dying – from hypoxic brain injury, where the brain has been starved of oxygen – almost two weeks later. A harrowing time for his family – his dad, myself and my four children – and friends, almost made worse by wondering if a defibrillator could’ve saved him.

Lane End Dads

COULD a defibrillator have saved Michael’s life? We’ll never know – but defibrillators could certainly save someone else’s. Following an out of hospital Cardiac arrest, without prompt treatment, most people die. However, if CPR and defibrillation are started soon enough, a victim has a much higher chance of survival. Sadly, for every minute the patient doesn’t have a defibrillator attached to their chest, their chances of survival reduce by 10%. Early defibrillation can TRIPLE the chances of survival.

Adult Winners

Using a defibrillator isn’t difficult, or only for paramedics. They give verbal or visual prompts so anyone can help save a life. The machine analyses the heart rhythm and then uses visual or voice prompts to guide you through each step. It only shocks if needed – you can’t accidentally hurt someone with it. Always dial 999 first, and if a defibrillator isn’t available, give CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until someone can bring one.

So back to the football. In the morning, we had 12 talented and competitive junior teams playing, with SK Football coaching team coming out as well-deserved winners. Brilliant fun to watch and all the lads were an absolute credit to their clubs and coaches. Spectators and visitors were thrilled to see ex pros, David Platt and Robbie Savage, watching their sons’ team take part.

Wilmlsow Sports

Things got really serious in the afternoon, with the adult – and veteran, in some cases – competition. My two oldest sons, Joe and Rowan both entered teams. Both scored, too. Your dad would’ve been proud, fellas! The discipline at the adult level may not have been quite what is was in the morning, and the levels of talent and fitness varied, too – but the entertainment value was right up there. It was wonderful to see some of our local businesses represented, as well as teams of Dads from Lane End Primary School. Local junior football team Inter Cheadle entered a team of Dads and coaches. Many of Michael’s friends – and even their sons – played, too. Eventual winners, for the second year running, were Chris Markham and friends. We’ll never hear the last of it…

Noah – SKFC

The day was made even more fun by a delicious breakfast butties and a barbecue from The Board Café Bar and scrumptious Carribbean curry from Hungry Little Critters. There were cakes, sweets, a huge slide and a bouncy castle, as well as the raffle with some fantastic prizes – many of which were donated by Cheadle Hulme businesses. Thank you to all.

SKFC

So far, the amount raised stands at about £1800, but we’re hoping we may be able to help this go higher so that we can site TWO defibrillators at local sports facilities – and which can also be available to the public. We’d like to thank everyone who came along and supported the event, bought raffle tickets, donated cakes, and played or watched the football. We’re already making plans for next year…

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