PARINGDON Pirates Walking Football Club were honoured to present an award from the Royal Humane Society to Women’s team captain Gill Pardoe on Monday 24^th April. 

The award of the Royal Humane Society’s Resuscitation Certificate recognised the skill and courage shown by Gill and assisted by fellow player Nik Rabie in saving the life of male player Steve Dean who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Every Monday there is a Walking Football session from 3:30pm – 5pm followed by a Womens Walking Football session from 5-6pm.  As the women arrived to play on a warm afternoon last September Steve collapsed. 

He had no warning signs and no pain prior to his collapse.  Gill and Nik were able to restart Steve’s heart using a defibrillator and performed CPR until an air ambulance arrived and took over. 

Their quick actions undoubtedly saved Steve’s life.  Steve has made a full recovery and was on hand to present the award and a bouquet of flowers each to Gill and Nik. 

Paringdon Pirates Club Chairperson Mark Watson said, ‘When we started Women’s Walking Football sessions a year ago we knew it would change our club for the better but we never imagined it would be literally lifesaving.

“We now have an amazing Women’s Walking Football team competing and winning matches across Essex and beyond.  We are truly grateful and thankful for the skill and bravery shown by Gill and Nik in saving the life of our team mate.’