Legendary football commentator taken to hospital after collapse in Horsham

The broadcaster was due to compere an evening hosted by Brighton and Hove Albion’s charity Albion in the Community (AITC) when he fell ill just before 7.30pm. Bystanders rushed to his aid and an emergency first responder performed CPR, while paramedics arrived shortly afterwards. Mr Brackley was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Gary Townsend, AITC’s chief executive officer, said the charity would donate the proceeds of the event to help fund a defibrillator for the Holbrook Club ‘as a show of thanks’ to staff. He said: “Peter was due to compere a fundraising event for Albion in the Community at the Holbrook Club in Horsham when he became unwell. “He was given first aid on the scene and attended to by a volunteer from first responders and a team of paramedics. “He was later transferred to hospital where he was given further treatment to which he responded well. He is currently recovering in hospital. “Peter has always been very supportive of AITC and our work and had given up his time to compere our event to help raise money for our disability sport sessions. “On behalf of everyone at AITC I would like to wish Peter a speedy recovery and thank all those who helped deliver first aid prior to the arrival of the paramedics, particularly the volunteer from first responders.” On social media, the Holbrook Club announced its early closure on Wednesday due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’. A spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “All crews worked together to resuscitate the man with the use of a defibrillator before he was taken as a priority to Royal Sussex County Hospital. “We would like to thank everyone who helped at the scene prior to our arrival in order to give the patient the best chance of survival.” Mr Brackley was attending an evening with former Brighton defender Guy Butters, held by Albion in the Community and local supporter branch North West Sussex Seagulls. The Albion supporter is best known for football commentary during the 1990s. In 2009, he was ranked at number 42 on the Daily Mail’s list of Britain’s favourite sports commentators of all time. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on. 1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk 2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes 3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes 4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out! The County Times – always the first with your local news. Be part of it.