Local charity to bring Newcastle United inspired defibrillator to Quayside for August events

A local charity will bring an eye-catching Newcastle United inspired defibrillator to the Quayside for some of August's popular sporting events along The Tyne.

Red Sky Foundation is partnering with TRY on the Tyne, the group behind popular sports events including duathlons, a 5k fun run and Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track initiative.

The events take place on Saturday, August 13 and are being helped to go ahead by Sergio and Emma Petrucci of the Red Sky Foundation.

Red Sky was set up in the North East following the pioneering life-saving treatment that the Petrucci's daughter Luna received after she was born with a serious heart problem.

Recognising the importance of ensuring that there is easy access to life-saving defibrillators in city centre locations, the foundation's goal is to raise money and install devices throughout the region.

Sergio has started visiting Tyneside businesses and other organisations with the special black and white stripe defibrillator in a push to persuade more locations to agree to the installation of devices.

Participants in this year’s TRY on the Tyne races will be encouraged to raise funds for Red Sky Foundation and event partners are all helping to publicise the charity’s work, along with key messages about heart health.

Sergio Pertucci said: “Red Sky Foundation is delighted to be the official charity partner for TRY on the Tyne.

"We’re working really hard to bring more community defibrillators to Newcastle and Gateshead and the event is a brilliant platform to promote that work to the residents and businesses of Tyneside.

"We’re also using this partnership as an opportunity to talk to people about heart health in the context of encouraging them to be active.”

TRY on the Tyne founder Steve Cram added: “As a lifelong Sunderland fan, I did do a double take when I saw the black and white striped Red Sky Foundation defibrillator!

"However, it’s a great way to make the connection between a sport that people from Tyneside are very passionate about, and a really important campaign. We’re really excited about this year’s TRY on the Tyne and the opportunity that it provides to not only get individuals and families active, but also support great causes like Red Sky Foundation."