PLAYERS and supporters at a cricket club near Ellesmere have completed a challenge to fund a defibrillator at their ground.

Frankton Cricket Club members and supporters were asked to walk, cycle or run 750km through the month of February to pay for the piece of life-saving equipment for the club.

It has now been installed at Hardwick Park and club chairman Phil Wood said the incident involving Denmark footballer Christian Eriksen at the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament highlighted the importance of having a defibrillator available during sporting events.

He said: “During the lockdown one of our players came up with the idea of fundraising enough money to purchase a defibrillator, so the Defibrillator Challenge was started.

“Members and supporters were encouraged to walk, cycle or run a total of 750km with the aim of raising £750 during February.

“It soon became clear that our distance target would be easily beaten, with the final total being more than 3,500km covered.

“The recent incident affecting the footballer Christian Eriksen shows how important this is. Hopefully we’ll never have to use it.”

The cricket club were also grateful to receive a grant from Oswestry Sports Forum, as well as a donation from the Calon Hearts charity.

Frankton Cricket Club runs a first, second and third team in the Shropshire Cricket League as well as Indoor Cricket League teams.

The club also runs a junior section with coaching sessions catering for up to 60 boys and girls at the ground during the season.

The recently established Frankton Foxes ladies cricket team also represents the club at Hardwick Park.