Big hearted fan's gift to Cumbernauld United

Cumbernauld United match reporter Eric Drever made the news himself this week with a big-hearted gift to the junior club.
United players look on as Eric hands over the defibrillator to club chairman George Watson.United players look on as Eric hands over the defibrillator to club chairman George Watson.
United players look on as Eric hands over the defibrillator to club chairman George Watson.

Eric, who covers United matches for the Cumbernauld News, handed over a potentially life-saving defibrillator for use at the club’s Guy’s Meadow base.

Eric raised the money for the equipment after asking guests at his recent 80th birthday celebration in Dullatur Golf Club to make donations instead of buying him presents.

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He said: “I know how difficult it is for people to think of presents to buy, especially for an 80-year-old.

“So I said that under no circumstances did I want gifts but that if people so desired they could make a donation towards the purchase of a defibrillator for use at Guy’s Meadow, home of Cumbernauld United.

“This is something which had been suggested in the past and was something I have always had in mind.

“Thanks to the generosity of the party guests the terrific sum of £1,200 was raised which enabled us to buy a really good defibrillator which will be available for use throughout the week.”

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Eric - about to start his 50th season following United - said he felt it was important to let guests see their donations had bought something specific rather than just being sent off to a charity with no indication of how or on what it was spent.

He said: “The defibrillator will be available not just for Cumbernauld United but for Kirkintilloch Rob Roy who use the ground on alternate Saturdays as well as the boys’ clubs who use the artificial pitches for five-a-side and seven-a-side games.

“And it can also be used by anyone holding a party or function at the Hat Trix sports bar.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service will be providing training in the use of the defibrillator in the near future.

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United chairman George Watson accepted the gift from Eric before Saturday’s friendly with Harmony Row at Kilsyth Sports Ground.

He said: “Cumbernauld United in conjunction with Hat-Trix Soccer Complex ,would like to thank Eric for the very generous gift of a defibrillator.

“Heart disease is one of the UK’s greatest killers and an estimated 60,000 sudden cardiac arrests take place each year outside a hospital environment.

“They are relatively easy to use,and in the sporting environment we operate, it could potentially save a life.”

More on this story at www.cumbernauld-news.co.uk.