Clarendon Academy has responded in the wake of student Quinton Barham’s cardiac arrest by buying a defibrillator.

The life-saving machine that gives the heart an electric shock will ensure other children at the school can benefit from the same treatment that was so crucial to Quinton’s survival.

Rob Pittman, head of premises at the Clarendon Academy, said: “We have ordered a defibrillator machine similar to the one which saved Quinny’s life for use in the academy.

“Mr Szabo, husband of deputy head Mrs Szabo at Clarendon and an emergency first aid trainer has offered to train 12 additional members of staff at the school in first aid.”

Rupert Moreton, director of student progress at the academy, said: “The students across Clarendon Academy are planning a number of fundraising events for this term and for Red Nose day to raise money for the charities identified by Quinton’s family, in particular charities aimed at providing defibrillator machines and emergency first aid.

Quinton, 13, was playing for Bradford Town Youth Football Club when he collapsed on February 3 a nd the club has now purchased two defibrillators which can also be taken to away games.

Bob Maitland, of Melksham, who runs Immediate Response Train-ing Services, has offered to train the club’s coaches on the defibrillators for free.

He said: “It is one of those things that you don’t really know how important it is until it happens.”

Quinton’s teammates from the club’s under 14 A team played their first match since February 3, against the B team on Sunday.

The club’s chairman Nick Maw said: “Everyone was on tenterhooks, but they took to it like a duck to water.

“His teammates are raring to go and would love to see Quinton back on the pitch soon, but they know he has to take it easy.”

Quinton was moved out of intensive care this week and into his own room at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

He is now in the rehabilitation stage and doctors are working on building up his strength so he can return home as soon as he is well enough.

His recovery was pushed along this week when he received a package from his favourite team, Manchester United, which contained autographs from several players, pictures, magazines and a hat. The package, sent to Quinton’s home, also contained a letter from Sir Alex Ferguson sending him his best wishes.

His father, Paul Barham, 48, of Hyde Road, said: “His face lit up and he was smiling from ear to ear. It made his day.”

“He is back to his old self again and is eating a lot and walking up and down the stairs.

“He has been doing very well. He is getting stronger every day and we can’t wait to get him home.”