A new life-saving defibrillator has been installed at the popular Lions Boxing Club in Brierley Hill.

Recent guidance from Boxing England meant that the club would need to source and install an AED (defibrillator) at their family-run base in Brierley Hill.

Daunted by the potential cost of the installation, the club spoke with Brierley Hill Councillor Adam Davies and asked for his help in sourcing funding. Kevin Dillion, head coach at the club, said:

“To so many people, boxing is a life-saving sport – it’s how they keep in shape, both physically and mentally.

“But the costs of running a club like this aren’t cheap, and unexpected costs mean we’ve got less to spend on the gloves, pads, ropes, and other equipment that our guys and girls get through.

“That’s why we’re so grateful to Adam for helping us source funding for this potentially life-saving piece of equipment.

“We hope we’ll never have to use it, but it’s reassuring for us, our members and their families to know that it’s there if we do.”

The cost of the equipment and installation was met with funds awarded from leading defibrillator charity London Hearts as well as the Brierley Hill Community Forum. Councillor Adam Davies, representative for the Brierley Hill ward, said:

“Having a defibrillator close to hand can literally be the difference between life and death.   

“Kev, his Mom Julie and the fantastic team of coaches at Lions do so much great work with those who walk through their doors.

“I’m glad that they can now get on with doing what they do best – in the knowledge that if they find themselves in the dreaded situation where a defib is needed, they’ve got the equipment they need to hand.”