Almost £12,000 donated from Ed Bilbey Foundation to defib fund
February 8, 2020 | by Matt Halfpenny
The East Midlands region’s bid to help clubs raise money to purchase life-saving defibrillators has been given a huge boost thanks to a foundation set up in memory of boxer Ed Bilbey.
Aged 17, the Ripley teenager sadly died following a bout in March 2017.
Mum Michelle and the rest of Ed’s family were determined the tragic passing would not be in vain and so set about establishing a charity that gives underprivileged children the chance to pursue their dreams in sport.
On hearing that the East Midlands was bidding to support its member clubs meet the costs of installing defibs, a total of £11,849.26 has been donated from the Ed Bilbey Foundation to the cause.
It has made a significant dent in the target total of £50,000, for which a host of fund-raising activities have already been planned.
On the 14th March, the entire proceeds of the East Midlands Belts show at the Rushcliffe Arena, West Bridgford, Nottingham will go to the defib fund.
“We feel humbled to have received this money from the Ed Bilbey Foundation,” said Janet Vitti, the Eaast Midlands region’s joint secretary.
“It’s an amazing gesture from an amazing family and shows that Ed’s memory lives on strongly in East Midlands Boxing.
“Both the East Midlands’ Youth Welterweight Challenge Belt and the east Midlands Box Cup team trophy are named after Ed and I’m sure putting money towards getting defibs in all gyms is something he would have wanted.
“You can’t put a price on equipment that can save someone’s life, so it’s great to see everyone pulling together to help raise money.”
With the safety of its members its number one priority, all England Boxing-affiliated gyms must have a defibrillator on its premises by June 2020.
Click on the link to find out more about the #EveryBeatCounts campaign and how your club can get help to raise money for a defib.
