Ex-footballer to present heart defibrillator to Wicklow school

Former footballer Clive Clarke, who retired from the game after collapsing during a match, will today present a life-saving defibrillator to a school in his home county of Wicklow.

Former footballer Clive Clarke, who retired from the game after collapsing during a match, will today present a life-saving defibrillator to a school in Co Wicklow.

The 28-year-old, who had been playing for Leicester City, was forced to quit after he fell unconscious and was resuscitated in a cup tie against Nottingham Forest last August.

Clarke who is from Co Wicklow, will talk about his experience to pupils in Kilcoole.

Money for the defibrillator was raised by Maureen Kelly, whose 21-year-old son Darragh died from Sudden Cardiac Death in 2003.

Her 20-year-old daughter has since been diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome and has been fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Ms Kelly is a member of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Sudden Cardiac Death In The Young support group.

It is hoped the defibrillator will guard against the risk of any pupils dying if they collapse with heart problems.

Ex-Sunderland player Clarke was on loan to Leicester City when he collapsed in the cup match.

He is awaiting results of genetic testing to confirm if he has a heart condition known as Long QT Syndrome. His family are also being screened.

Long QT is an inherited defect in the heart rhythm that leaves sufferers prone to sudden fainting spells, dizziness, and palpitations and in worst cases seizures and sudden death.