EVERTON defender Matthew Pennington has donated cash to a sports club after its defibrillator was stolen.

The lifesaving equipment at Eagle Sports and Social Club in Great Sankey was pinched by heartless thieves last month.

Warrington Guardian:

But an online fundraiser set up in the wake of the theft in order to replace the defibrillator has reached its £1,000 target in less than 48 hours.

And former St Gregory’s Catholic High School pupil Pennington, 24, was among those who chipped in – donating more than £300.

Woolston-based scaffolding company Omega Access North gave more than £250 to the fund, while businessman Ronnie McDonald also donated £200.

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Warrington Guardian:

Club secretary Danny Nixon said: “With an outstanding response to our initial efforts to raise funds for the new unit, we are now aiming to raise enough to also purchase an outside cabinet for the defibrillator – which will not only ensure the security of the new unit, but give availability to any users of the facility 24/7, should there be no organised activities taking place at the time of an emergency.

“We thank everyone for their generosity and for taking an interest in our efforts.”