A man who realised “how fragile life is” when he survived covid helped to ensure a football club received a new defibrillator.

Ray Collins, who was left with a serious heart condition after contracting the virus in late 2020, recommended that the life-saving equipment went to Wantage Town Football Club.

It came after Mr Collins, who runs the Ray Collins Charitable Trust, was approached for his advice about where developers Taylor Wimpey should donate its new defibrillator.

READ MORE: Liverpool and Oxford fan praised for 'act of sportsmanship

On his suggestion, it has now been installed at the football club.

The outdoor heavy duty heated case which protects and charges the defibrillator was also paid for by the charitable trust.

He said: “You always hope this vital piece of equipment will never be used but if it’s needed you want it in perfect condition ready to save a life.”

Mr Collins chose the football club because he had read about people in sports who had been saved by defibrillators.

He said: “Having covid in late 2021 left me with a serious heart condition and made me realise how fragile life is.

“Seeing and reading about many people playing sports having been saved by defibrillators at various venues plus seeing one used in real life outside my place of work to save a man’s life the football club was the obvious choice for the donation.

“We wanted this life saving piece of equipment to go where it would be most needed and could potentially save the lives of young and old in our community and somewhere that would really value having it and look after it.

“We settled on Wantage Town Football Club as I knew they had several girls & boys youth teams as well as adult teams playing regularly, regular supporters and staff plus lots of locals attending various social events in the club house that could potentially need help one day.

“I’ve always loved sport and when I was a kid along with a few friends I used to sneak in and watch WTFC play. I then got into rugby and really enjoyed that playing for Grove, Swindon and Supermarine.

“I’ve also enjoyed numerous great nights in the clubhouse at lots of friends and family parties over the years.”

Mr Collins joined the club chair Lesley Furnival on Saturday, March 18, to see the newly installed defibrillator and have a picture on the pitch with the first team and mascots.

He said: “All of us at the Ray Collins Charitable Trust feel immensely proud that we have been able to play a small part in making this happen and should it be required it will make a real difference in our community.”