The family and friends of a Millwall fan who died after a cardiac arrest last year are walking 32 miles to the stadium to raise money for a defibrillator to be installed in the area where he collapsed.
Terry Houlihan had a cardiac arrest while he was on his way to work in his van on the morning of May 25, 2021.
Passers-by tried to help him, including an off-duty police officer and nurse who gave him CPR.
The ambulance service managed to get his heart working again after around 30 to 40 minutes and he was then in Kings Hospital in London for three weeks.
Terry’s brain had been starved from oxygen and was severely damaged and he died on June 14, 2021 - a day before his 60th birthday.
Terry’s daughter, Stevie Jenkins, said: “We got to see him and say our goodbyes.
“The doctors had to turn the machine off because there was nothing more they could do for him.
“It has definitely been a whirlwind and we are still grieving now but channelling that energy into this fundraiser does make it a little bit easier.”
The group is walking 32 miles from Maidstone Gallagher Stadium, stopping off at Terry's favourite pub, The Draughts on Eltham High Street, and finishing at Millwall Football Stadium in Deptford on June 11.
Stevie, 33, describes her Dad as a popular football and pub man who had supported Millwall his whole life.
She explained: “He was just such a character and a family man.
“He always had people laughing and was the centre of attention.
“Dad was a big campaigner and was a patriotic man – always very passionate.
The fundraiser was set up by Stevie, her sister Carlie, 40, and her Dad’s football friends - but anyone is welcome to join the walk.
The funds raised will be used for the installation of a defibrillator near where Terry suffered his heart attack.
Stevie said: “I think they should be everywhere and as common as fire extinguishers.
“Even if they are available people don’t often know they are there.
“If this defibrillator saves just one person’s life, we will be over the moon.
“It would be an honour to save someone’s life.”
The group don’t have a specific location for where the defibrillator will be installed at this stage, but they are currently reaching out to places for their approval.
They have a target of raising £3,000 and have currently raised £1,900.
This will fund the defibrillator, along with any necessary extras, such as first aid training or a cabinet to cover the equipment.
Following the sponsored walk, they are planning to host a family fun day to raise more money for additional defibrillators to be installed in the surrounding community, which Stevie believes are desperately needed.
She said: “There was actually a shop on the corner of where Dad had his cardiac arrest and sometimes I think, I mean I am not a doctor, but I think things could have been different if there was one there.”
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