Hockey club’s life-saving tribute to former player

A potentially life-saving device has been installed at Ashford Hockey Club.

The campaign to introduce a defibrillator was started by player Harry Pickering before he died earlier this year.

Money for the device, which can be used to restart someone’s heart if they suffer a cardiac arrest, has been raised through several fundraisers over the last few months at the club, including a barbecue in Harry’s honour.

A presentation is due to take place on Sunday, November 9, at the club in Ball Lane, Kennington, which will see the defibrillator officially handed over.

The day will also see the Ashford Antiques play the England LX Club and celebrate two players who have been with the club for as long as 60 years.

Club chairman Ian Thomas said of the defibrillator: “Around 2,000 use the site every week.

“Hopefully no one will ever need it, but it is a good thing to have. It was made possible by Harry.”

Mr Pickering suffered a heart attack two minutes into a hockey match in Sittingbourne in April this year.

He was brought back to life with the help of off-duty police officer and opposition player Sgt Clive Garton and paramedics.

However, just three months later he died from a second cardiac arrest at his Brabourne home.

Shortly after, a barbecue was held at Ashford Hockey Club to say thank you to those who helped save his life in April, and to raise funds for the defibrillator.

Once they purchase a case for the device, it will be placed on the wall in the clubhouse and can be used by anyone who needs it.

The presentation will take place at the Hockey Club at 11.30am, with the match starting at noon.

Harry Pickering started a campaign for a defibrillator at Ashford Hockey Club. He died three months after a heart attack at the club

Harry Pickering with his wife Karen