Christian Eriksen: Life-saving defibrillator installed in Blackburn

The defibrillator was installed at the Masjid al Momineen mosque on Ash Street, at a ceremony hosted by the Blackburn with Darwen Mayor, Councillor Suleman Khonat.

This is thanks to Blackburn charities IMO Charity and Benefit Mankind, that have been fundraising for the defibrillator unit over the last 12 months.  

This morning we revealed the 4️⃣th #defibrillator @MasjidMomineen. Thanks to our #DoorStepSport girls and @Benefit_Mankind for raising the funds for this project. 🙏🏽 @BwDMayor for attending. @TheBHF @BwDDenise @blackburndarwen @BWDDPH @NWAmbulance @NHSNW @ChrisOliverNHS @LSCICB pic.twitter.com/qvMTAtBXxc

— IMO Charity (@imocharity) January 29, 2023

This is the fourth unit that has been installed by the two charities.

The importance of defibrillators units were brought to the surface in 2021, when Danish superstar midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field during a Euro 2020 game.

The footballer dropped to the ground at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, after suffering a cardiac arrest.

A defibrillator being unveiled at Masjid al Momineen mosque on Ash Street (Image: Councillor Suleman Khonat.)

Denmark’s team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest and that “he was gone” prior to being resuscitated.

A combination of rapid deployment of CPR and a defibrillator saved his life.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers have attended the Masjid al Momineen mosque on Ash Street to attend an event to officially unveil the defibrillator that has been installed there.

“Members of the IMO charity and Benefit mankind charity have worked over the last 12 months to raise funds to allow a defibrillator to be installed in the community.

“The events with Christian Eriksen collapsing on the football pitch spurred the groups on to raise the funds. This is the fourth unit that has been installed by the two charities.

“The mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Khonat did the ceremony in front of the members of the community and the charity organisers.

“This is a valuable piece of equipment to have in the community and hopefully it will not be required, but it could potentially save a life if the need for it arises.”