Defibrillator pledge from Swans

Supporters attending Swansea City’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Liberty Stadium on Monday night will be asked to dig deep in memory of local footballer Mitchell Joseph – and potentially help save a life in the future.

Mitchell, 33, tragically passed away recently while playing for his Swansea Senior League side St Josephs after suffering a heart attack during a game at Mynydd Newydd Playing Fields.

Friends and team-mates will be carrying out a bucket collection around the stadium on Monday to raise funds for his family and fiancée Laura Davies.

To support the appeal, the Swans have pledged to match the amount raised and use the funds to purchase defibrillators, which deliver a dose of electric current to the heart, for use at the main playing fields in the Swansea League.

The club has also vowed to spread the defibrillator programme throughout all the local football leagues in the area.

It means the new rolling programme will also see the Swans commit to supplying one new defibrillator for every goal Carlos Carvalhal’s side score between now and the end of the season.

The club, who will also assist in providing defibrillator training, will then review the defibrillator programme during the summer and assess the future needs of the local leagues.

“Everyone at Swansea City was saddened to hear of Mitchell’s death,” explained a Swans spokesperson.

“There is a very close football community in Swansea and the loss has been deeply felt by so many people.

“The club not only wanted to help his friends and team-mates raise funds for his family and fiancée, but also to do something that may help save a life in the future.

“We felt the defibrillator programme was the best place to start in memory of Mitchell.’’

With the help of kitman Michael Eames, the Swans have also donated 13 signed shirts to the first division Swansea League clubs, plus Mitchell’s former club Ragged School, to auction off for the fund.

The club would not only like to pass on its condolences to Mitchell’s family and friends at this sad time, but urge supporters to give generously on Monday night.

It has been a difficult time for the club and the community with the tragic loss of another two Swans fans recently.

Thomas Davies (pictured above right), aged 24, lost his life in a car crash travelling home to Maesteg after Wednesday night’s FA Cup tie against Wolves at the Liberty Stadium.

The father of one was a loyal Swans fan who regularly travelled to home and away games to support the club.

Club ambassador Lee Trundle paid tribute, saying: “My thoughts go out to all his friends and family.

“To lose a loyal and loved member of the Swans family in such tragic circumstances is heartbreaking for everyone, especially his family and friends.

“Nobody should go to a football match and fail to return home safely, and our thoughts and prayers are with Thomas’ family and friends at this sad time.’’

A fundraising page has since been set up to raise funds for Thomas’ family. You can donate by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/rip-thomas-davies-yjb

The club also lost another member of the Swans family with the passing of David Dutton (pictured above left) from Pembroke. 

Aged just 26, David was a season ticket holder for many years and his loss will be felt by many. Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends.

You can donate by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/inmemoryofdave