STA is pleased to announce that Old Yardleians Rugby Football Club in Shirley, Solihull, has become the tenth recipient of a life-saving defibrillator through its 2025 Community Heart STArters campaign.

Approaching its centenary year, Old Yardleians RFC is a proud community-based club that runs two senior men’s teams, a thriving youth section from under-6s through to under-17s, and is also home to the Solihull Vixens – four girls’ teams aged between under-12s and under-18s. The club’s facilities also serve as a valued hub for the local community, regularly hosting social events, celebrations, and gatherings.

The new defibrillator will replace the Club’s older unit that has degraded beyond repair and is no longer operational. Recognising the importance of ensuring the safety of players, families, and visitors, the club had begun fundraising to secure a replacement before being supported through STA’s Community Heart STArters campaign.

“We’ve seen first-hand how vital defibrillators can be in an emergency,” said Tom Thompson from Old Yardleians RFC. “Having used one recently on my father-in-law, I know how crucial these machines are in saving lives. To have a new, fully operational unit on site once again is a huge relief, not only for our players and volunteers but for everyone who visits the club. We are incredibly grateful for this support from the STA.”

Dave Candler, CEO of STA, said: “Old Yardleians RFC is deeply rooted in its local community and has a long history of providing opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy sport and friendship. With hundreds of players, families, and visitors using the club each week, it’s essential that life-saving equipment like this is available and ready for use. We’re delighted to support the club with this donation and help ensure they’re prepared for any emergency.”

All defibrillators donated through the Community Heart STArters campaign are registered on The Circuit, the British Heart Foundation’s national defibrillator network. This ensures emergency services can direct 999 callers to the nearest available device when every second counts.

The Community Heart STArters campaign is coming to a close at the end of this month, but with two defibrillators still available, STA is encouraging grassroots, charitable, and community organisations across the UK to submit their applications as soon as possible.

To learn more about STA’s Community Heart STArters campaign and how to apply, please go to www.sta.co.uk/community-heart-STArters