Jessica Duffield plans to run her first half marathon for her brother

Last week Jessica Duffield’s brother Ben was fighting for life after collapsing at a local footy match. His bravery is now inspiring her to run for charity.

The family of a local footballer whose heart stopped beating following an on-field clash last week say his brave fight is inspiring them to raise funds for Ambulance Victoria.

Ben Duffield collapsed last week after a game at Wangaratta where he was playing a reserves match for Greta in the Ovens and King Football League.

Ben is currently recovering at Royal Victoria Hospital after he collapsed on the change room floor. His life was saved by volunteers who performed CPR before he was airlifted to Melbourne.

Ben’s determination and fight has inspired his sister Jessica to run for charity.

Jessica is planning on running the half marathon at the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival on October 2.

Ben Duffield (left) collapsed after Greta's reserves semi-final on Sunday. He was playing alongside his brother Sam.

Jessica said her brother suffered a fractured sternum, which resulted in his heart and lung being under distress, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness.

At times there were concerns he wouldn’t survive.

“Everything in terms of his recovery is going in the right direction,” she said.

“He’s currently being treated for a couple of minor setbacks but overall his recovery is moving in a positive direction.

“Mentally he just wants to get home, he’s got two young daughters and wants to see them.

“But he is improving every day.”

Jessica revealed his heart stopped beating at one stage. A tear in his lung also meant air escaped and caused blood to get into the lung.

She said the past few weeks have been tough for the family.

Ben has two sisters and a brother, Sam, who plays football with him at Greta.

“It’s a trying time for the family,” she said.

“Ben is close with his brother and he witnessed the whole thing.

“I can’t imagine how traumatising it has been (for him).

“My mum also saw the whole episode unfolding.

“Ben has a long recovery mentally and physically.

“We have some recovery as well.

“It was very scary, especially Sunday, Monday, Tuesday last week.

“It was touch and go for a little while.”

Jessica said watching Ben go through his ordeal has helped her to overcome her own fears and complete a half marathon next month.

“I have been training for a half marathon for the best part of this year,” she said.

“It’s being held on the 2nd of October but I hadn’t registered just yet.

“When you run these types of events you can run for a charity.

“How incredible the paramedic team (has been) working on Ben, it inspired me to raise funds for Ambulance Victoria.

“My goal is to give thanks and a little bit back to Ambulance Victoria.

“They touch a lot of people’s live, not just ours.”

She’ll also have Ben in her mind every step as she runs the 21km event.

“In doing the half marathon I’m going to need strength and determination,” she said.

“My doing this is purely 100 per cent driven by Ben and his strength and determination.

“I’ve been training for a little while and I had a training run this morning.

“My mind now goes to what would Ben do.

“When I get fatigued I just need to keep going and draw on those values that Ben is holding and doing.”

Jessica said the family has been amazed by the support they have received.

A GoFundMe page set up after his incident, has raised more than $50,000 already after looking originally for $5000.

Ben Duffield with his partner Katie and their two children Ivy and Flo. Photo: Supplied.

Jessica’s fundraising page for the marathon has already achieved its target.

“My goal was $500 and it is double that already,” she said.

“That in itself has been incredible support.

“We’re so grateful for the support everyone has given to the family.

“He really hopes to be home as soon as he can.”

She will run the marathon on October 2 and you can donate to her fund here.

You can also help Ben on his road to recovery by supporting his page here.