We are thrilled to announce that a new defibrillator has been installed at the Darlington Arena, providing a crucial life-saving resource for the entire community. Huge thanks to Mark Preston from the charity MISSEDABEAT for helping us arrange the defibrillator, and stunt driver Paul Swift with the social group Round Table for raising and donating 50% of the cost. Making up the other 50% of the cost came from DMP’s Bankroller group as well as the Mini’s, Junior’s and girls’ sections here at Darlington Mowden Park. A huge thank you to everyone.

Mark, the founder of the local charity MISSEDABEAT expressed the charity's mission and the importance of this installation: "The nearest defibrillator from the arena is 0.9 miles away, we’re trying to get them every 500 meters as it really does save lives. Mark is currently working on a number of projects in and around Darlington installing defibrillators and has also recently worked with 3 local football teams in the area ensuring they have portable defibrillators available for all home and away games, as well as raising awareness around the need for people to realise, they need this in their communities."

Paul, a stunt driver and member the boy’s and men’s social club Round Table who often support charities, shared his motivation: "We run our experience days here, so I was aware of the stadium. The traffic here must see thousands of people per year and it’s a real hub of the community so for us it makes sense to support a defib here. Hopefully it will never have to be used but it’s there if we need it and to spread more awareness that can hopefully save someone’s life. We’ll continue to support Mark and MISSEDABEAT going forward."

Our own juniors coach, Paul ‘Bosh’ Brown, who is also an emergency care assistant for the North East Ambulance, highlighted the impact this defibrillator will have: "Having a defib onsite gives peace of mind to us all, that if the absolute worst should happen to a player/ coach/ supporter or even just someone close by to the arena, we can give them the best possible chance of survival by giving early deliberation."

This defibrillator is located on the West stand corner of the stadium close to Block 20 and is now fully operational and registered on the national circuit. To learn more about MISSEDABEAT see their website https://www.missedabeat.co.uk/, which has more information on defibrillator locations and the charity. Also see Round Table’s website https://www.roundtable.co.uk/, where you can learn more about their mission bringing men together and supporting their local communities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to MISSEDABEAT, Paul Swift and Round Table. Together, we are making our community a safer place.

Thanks also to Chris Barron from Round Table for the photos.