Manx heart charity donates 35 defibrillators

A Manx heart charity has donated 35 defibrillators, at a cost of £31,500, to high schools, football clubs and the Isle of Man Football Association.

Craig's Heartstrong Foundation was founded by Paula Lunt, after her son Craig, died from an undiagnosed heart defect in April 2005.

A spokesman for the charity said: "If one of these defibrillators can save a life then it is money well spent."

Since 2006, the foundation has helped to screen more than 3,000 people.

'Patrice Muamba'

The chairman of Craig's Heartstrong Foundation, Paul Healey said: "The high profile collapse of Patrice Muamba and the death of footballer Piermario Morosini has brought the issue of undiagnosed heart defects into the public eye.

"We are delighted to be able to provide these defibrillators to the island's high schools and football clubs and it is testament to everyone who has raised money for our charity over the years."

Cardiac Risk in the Young (Cry) say that 12 young people in the UK die of undiagnosed heart defects every week.

Craig's Heartstrong Foundation plan to continue to provide two heart screening weekends each year on the Isle of Man.