A lifelong Barrow AFC supporter donated £1,000 to provide a defibrillator for the club’s So Legal Stadium.

Ray Maguire, a loyal fan of the Bluebirds, joined forces with JF Hornby & Co’s Have a Heart campaign to provide the lifesaving equipment.

Mr Maguire said: "It’s a small gesture from me and my wife Joan to the club and its fans.

"It’s a fantastic place and somewhere the community can come together to cheer on the lads.

"I’m happy to be able to help."

Although a defibrillator is always on hand on match days, this is not publicly available when the stadium is closed.

The new defibrillator will be on an external wall of the club’s main building, making it accessible at all times for passers-by and members of the community.

The donation was officially handed over during the half-time break of Barrow’s 4-0 victory over Port Vale at the weekend.

Paul Hornby is managing director of JF Hornby & Co and chairman and co-owner of Barrow AFCPaul Hornby is managing director of JF Hornby & Co and chairman and co-owner of Barrow AFC (Image: JF Hornby)

Paul Hornby, managing director of JF Hornby & Co and chairman and co-owner of Barrow AFC, praised the gesture.

He said: "Fans like Ray are the lifeblood of Barrow AFC.

"His generous donation is greatly appreciated and although we, of course, hope the defibrillator is never needed, its presence will provide reassurance to local communities.

"As MD of JF Hornby & Co, I was deeply touched that Ray wanted to support our campaign to save lives.

"As Chairman of the club, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to Ray on behalf of the staff, fans, and players.

"His donation is a wonderful gesture that will make a genuine difference."

The Have a Heart campaign was launched on February 14, with an initial pledge of £5,000 to deliver four defibrillators to the most in need communities.

Due to the number of requests, Mr Hornby doubled the pledge to £10,000, allowing for the purchase of eight lifesaving devices.

The Hornby Foundation, the charitable arm of JF Hornby & Co, is providing the funding.

A partnership has been established with the British Heart Foundation, from whom the Hornby Foundation is acquiring the equipment.

Defibrillators have already been provided to Ford Park in Ulverston and the community of Roa Island.

If you would like to nominate your community for a defibrillator, please email jfh@jfhornby.com.