A cricketer's passionate call to make defibrillators mandatory at Lake Macquarie playing fields, coming after he watched a teammate die from a suspected heart attack during a game last month, has been answered in part by a group of friends.
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Karl Zalewski, vice-captain of Dora Creek Workers Cricket Club's D2-grade team, last week accepted a donation of a $2500 defibrillator bought by Bob Marks, the father of fallen cricketer Simon Marks, and five of his friends.
The donation came after Mr Zalewski spoke out about the need for defibrillators to be considered as essential equipment following the death of Simon, 45, who had been the captain of the D2 team, on November 9 and a second cricketer, Rod Tinworth, 47, of the Bonnells Bay-based Newcastle Bay Hotel Cricket Club, on the same day.
"I'm shocked and amazed," Mr Zalewski said of the donation.
"I hoped something would come from what I said but I can't believe a handful of gentleman have done this for the team. I'm very thankful."
Bob Marks, Ron Marks (uncle to Simon), Russell Ware, Bob Sainsbury, Cenny Wagemaker and Bob Woods each chipped in to buy the defibrillator and accompanying hard case for the Dora Creek team.
Mr Ware said he had been "very moved" by Mr Zalewski's call for action, published in the Lakes Mail on November 21, and asked his friends whether they would help.
"It is something to help this cricket club, and something for Bob to do in his son's memory," Mr Ware said.
"We hope this donation motivates other clubs to acquire defibrillators."
Mr Marks echoed Mr Ware's hope that other clubs across the region would look into purchasing defibrillators, particularly those that had senior players.
"The 40-year-old blokes playing cricket in summer are really the ones who need too have defibrillators on hand," he said.
"I'd like to think our donation will motivate other clubs to do the same. I'm glad we've been able to do something for at least one team."
A plaque commemorating Simon's life and the donation has been placed on the case that houses the device. Mr Ware thanked Westlakes Trophies for proving the plaque and engraving at no cost.
Mr Zalewski said the defibrillator would travel with team and that members would be trained in how to use it.
He added that the donation had been made at the best possible time, with the cricket club's two teams set to go head-to-head in a seven-a-side match at Douglas Street Oval on Boxing Day.
The winner of the match, which is hoped to become an annual event, will take home the Simon Marks Memorial Shield.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
