Barrow coach fundraises to buy defibrillator for junior football club

Aaron Martin, assistant coach at Barrow's Celtic Juniors Football Club, is trying to raise donations for a first aid defibrillator for the clubhouse on Ormsgill Playing Fields in Schneider Road in Barrow.

The coach, who joined the club 6 months ago, took his first aid courses in football and realised how 'important' the defibrillators are for the club and the children's safety.

Once he finished the course, he set up a GoFundMe page to reach out to as many people as possible to help with the cause.

Mr Martin said: "It is very important that we have a defibrillator down at the club. I have got other coaches selling football cards, but at the moment, because it is winter training, all the funds we have are going to Furness Academy and Furness College, so there are no spare funds.

"The club has to get the field quoted and marked, so it is an expensive outgoing."

Assistant Coach, Aaron Martin. (Image: Aaron Martin)

The club, which goes from nursery ages to under 16s, receives 'a lot' of children every month.

The coach said: "There are hundreds of kids who go through that playing field each month. I think the nearest one is in St Pius Catholic Primary School, and it could be too late by then."

The coach is trying to raise £2000 and has so far received £1020 from 12 donations.

He said:"I understand it is a hard time in the year, and people will be struggling."

"Whether it's one pound or £100, every little bit helps. It is going towards a great cause, and I can't really thank them enough."

Barrow Celtic Juniors Football Club was established in 1934 and has been hosting boys' and girls' football teams ever since.

To help Aaron raise funds for the junior football club, visit his GoFundMe page here.