Kicking goals for coronary care

St George Hospital cardiology and coronary care staff showed their competitive spirit recently, sporting teams in the male and female tournaments of the annual Richo Cup. 
 
For the first time since its inception, doctors, nurses and other members of the cardiac team, including Mark Sader, Head of Cardiology, joined players from Forest Rangers FC at Peakhurst, and Lugarno Football Club for the fundraising event.
 
Juliette Sheahan, Nurse Unit Manager, Cardiology and Coronary Care Unit, St George Hospital said the teams were thrilled to be a part of the competition this year.
 
“We see first-hand how much patients benefit from the equipment purchased with funds raised at the Richo Cup and everyone from the cardiology team was eager to join such a worthy cause by entering the competition.”
 
The men's and women's teams played three games of seven-a-side each. Both teams fought a good fight but unfortunately didn't progress through to the finals.
 
Lunch time entertainment included a game between the ‘St George Cardiac Crew' and the Lugarno Football Club presidents and referees. After a penalty shootout, the Cardiac Crew were the winners. Danielle Bartels saved the day as the goalie.
 
“The cardiology staff were a bit wobbly on Tuesday, with a few pulled groins, sore backs and many ball and stud-shaped bruises,” Ms Sheahan said. “We had an absolute blast. Over 50 St George friends and family came to Gannons Park to play and cheer on the teams.”
 
The inaugural Richo Cup in 2015 raised money to purchase defibrillators for all 24 football clubs in the St George Football Association after the sudden death of Matthew Richardson, who collapsed during a Forest Rangers FC over-35s game in 2014 and was unable to be revived.
 
Since then, money raised from the day has gone to St George Hospital's Cardiology and Coronary Care Unit and the Heartbeat of Football charity. This year, funds are expected to exceed $15,000.