Horizon Group defibrillator Award to be presented by Lizzie Jones of the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund

Horizon Group defibrillator Award to be presented by Lizzie Jones of the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund

The Steve Prescott Foundation is really delighted to announce that the Horizon Defibrillator Award will be presented to one local community group at this year’s SolarKing Commercial Pride of St Helens Awards on Friday 11th November.

Local community groups are invited to apply for a defibrillator for their group and the winner will be presented with the award by Lizzie Jones. Lizzie is the wife of former Keighley Cougars and Wales International half back Danny Jones who tragically collapsed and died in May 2015 as a result of an undiagnosed heart condition.

Entrants need to explain why they should be chosen and can be nominated via a social media campaign. Two representatives from the winning club/group will be invited to attend the glittering Pride of St Helens awards night.

Submit your entry online below

Closing date for entries is 1st November. Lizzie Jones and Horizons Group Mike Ashall will be invited to choose the winner.

Following his tragic death, Lizzie successfully campaigned for cardiac screening to become mandatory at every Kingstone Press Championship and League 1 club, as it already is in the First Utility Super League. Lizzie has joined forces with the RFL Benevolent Fund to raise money to create a fund that will provide assistance to hundreds of community clubs and junior teams across the country to purchase a defibrillator. The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund was launched by Lizzie in February this year.

Horizon was formed in 2006 by a group of businesses. One of Horizon’s founding members, Mike Ashall of Quadrant Mortgage Services says “Our meetings are always informal, getting together for breakfast at 7am every Thursday morning at Thatto Heath Crusaders ARLFC. We work closely with St Helens Chamber who has been really helpful to our group.

“We all have successful businesses, and while success in business is what it’s all about, we also wanted to give something back to our community. We’re not looking for global domination with Horizon. We’re established as a not-for-profit organisation so any excess profits we make will be pledged back into the community through sponsorship of local charities.”

“We’re currently supporting the work of The Steve Prescott Foundation and also Willowbrook Hospice, a charity providing specialist palliative care to people suffering life-threatening illnesses.”

Horizon has been running now for about 8 years and presently has 29 members.

Gerry Payne from The Horizon Group says “We have been involved with supporting local sports and charitable organisations for over 8 years now. During that time we have become very aware of how important it is that Defibrillators become more common place and available at events to help save lives. When Martin Blondel at the Steve Prescott Foundation approached us about sponsoring one to be given out at this year’s Pride of St Helens evening, we did not hesitate to say yes. This is a small price to pay considering that it could save someone’s life one day. Puts things into perspective on how valuable these lifesaving machines are.”

Martin Blondel of the SPF says “I’m really delighted that the SolarKing Commercial Pride of St Helens can support a scheme to save people’s lives. It’s fabulous to have Lizzie Jones perform at our event and also present a defibrillator to a community club. Defibrillators cost around £1,000 each and provide potentially life-saving treatment to anyone suffering a cardiac arrest. We are indebted to the Horizon Group for sponsoring this award. The Rugby League Benevolent Fund is one of the nominated charities of the SPF and we are delighted to support Lizzie in her campaign.”

Lizzie made a memorable performance of Abide with Me at the 2015 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley and also appeared on the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.

More details can be found about the Pride of St Helens award night here www.steveprescottfoundation.co.uk/news/618-solarking-commercial-pride-of-st-helens-2016

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