Hero dad helps fan
Blood appeal
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) are coming to the area.
People are being invited to give blood at a number of locations, starting at the Avondale Community Wing in Strathaven. A team will be there on Thursday, August 1, from 2pm to 3.30pm and again from 5pm to 7.30pm.
They will be at Hillhouse and Earnock Community Centre in Hamilton on Monday, September 2, with the same two time slots.
And the following day they will be at Fairhill Lifestyles Centre in Hamilton, at the same time.
A spokesperson for SNBTS said: “Every minute of every day someone in Scotland receives blood as part of a life-saving or life-improving treatment. Less than four per cent of the population currently give blood. The Scottish National Blood transfusion Service must welcome 3500 blood donors each week to meet the needs of patients in Scotland.
“Whether you’ve never donated before, give blood regularly or haven’t been for a while, SNBTS would like to invite you to your local blood donating session.” Hamilton Accies fans looked on in concern as someone suffered a suspected heart attack in the stands on Saturday.
The incident happened during the second half of the Betfred Cup Group F against Partick Thistle.
And it was the father of a Jags player who became a hero as he saved the fan’s life.
Dave Mansell, the dad of Thistle striker Lewis, sprang into action at 4.25pm to provide CPR and assist medical teams.
Mr Mansell, snr, is believed to be a medic, and knew how to act to save the supporter, who is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Hamilton Accies club doctor Simon Gibson assisted with the paramedics, as the game raged on, which ended in a 2-2 draw, and Accies won 6-5 on penalties.
A Hamilton Accies spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident which occurred within the away stand of Saturday’s match.
“Our club doctor did attend to assist response teams. We are unaware of the individual’s condition at this time and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point in time.
“Nobody should go to a game of football and not be able to go home afterwards, so on that aspect we do hope the fan is OK and has a speedy recovery.”
A Jags spokesperson said: “The thoughts of everyone at Thistle are with the supporter who fell ill in the away end this afternoon.
“Thanks to the Jags fan who was on hand to offer immediate medical assistance and to all of the emergency services for their efforts.
“The supporter is now recovering in hospital.”
Dave Mansell said on Twitter: “I’d just like to say that mine was only part of a team effort.
“Special praise should also go to the Thistle fans first on scene, Hamilton first-aiders and the stewards, whose prompt actions included CPR and getting a defibrillator to the patient very quickly.
“A special thank you to the A&E consultant who was also on scene.
“And finally, never be afraid to step forward to carry out CPR... even just doing chest compressions can save a life. Remember when their heart has stopped you are never going to make them worse by trying CPR... and you might just save a life.”