A new life-saving defibrillator has been installed at Basildon Sporting Village following a charity netball tournament held in memory of Yvonne Nash, a popular local netball player who died from a sudden cardiac arrest in October 2024.
Community Fundraiser Raises Thousands
Yvonne's daughter, Michelle Sartain, organised a tribute netball tournament on June 20 to celebrate her mother's life and raise funds for charity. The event brought together 24 teams, around 250 players, and more than 100 supporters, raising a total of £2,646. The funds were used to purchase the new defibrillator and to support two heart health charities: the Essex Heart Fund and SADS UK.
Defibrillator Located Outside Netball Court Seven
The new device is located outside netball court seven, bringing the total number of defibrillators at the venue to three. All three machines are registered on a national network that helps emergency services quickly locate life-saving equipment.
Family's Tribute
Michelle Sartain said: "I wanted to organise a netball tournament in my mum's name because netball was something she loved, and it feels like a meaningful way to honour her memory. She brought people together, always encouraged others, and had such a positive impact on those around her." She added: "Seeing so many people come together to support the tournament meant more than I can put into words. It was emotional knowing that so many people had taken the time to be there, not just to play netball or raise money, but to remember my mum and celebrate her life."
She continued: "While nothing can ever bring my mum back, knowing that the money raised in her memory has funded a defibrillator means her legacy is helping to save lives. It’s comforting to know that something positive has come from such a difficult loss." She added: "If that defibrillator is ever needed and helps save even one person, then everything we did to organise the tournament will have been worth it."
Support from Everyone Active and Council
Dan Humphries, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "Having quick access to a defibrillator can make a real difference in an emergency, so we're really proud to have this new equipment in place at Basildon Sporting Village." He continued: "Michelle's fundraising efforts, not just for this defibrillator but for the wider work of the Essex Heart Fund and SADS UK, are a fantastic example of the difference one person's determination can make to a whole community. Our thanks go to Michelle and everyone who took part in and supported the tournament."
Cllr Danny Lawrence, cabinet member for culture, sport and youth, commented: "Basildon Sporting Village has always been about bringing people together through sport, and it's inspiring to see our community come together in Yvonne's memory. Michelle and everyone involved in organising the tournament have created a lasting legacy that will help protect people using the centre for years to come. This new defibrillator is a fitting tribute to Yvonne and a reminder of the incredible impact that community spirit can have."
Cllr Terri Sargent, cabinet member for health and inclusion, added: "Every additional defibrillator in our community has the potential to save lives, and ensuring this vital equipment is readily available is an important step in improving public health. I would like to thank Michelle, everyone who took part in the fundraising tournament and all those who supported it. Their generosity has not only honoured Yvonne's memory but has also made Basildon Sporting Village an even safer place for everyone."
