Charity gives free book to county primary schools
A CHILDREN’S story, featuring a friendly dog who helps to save a life, is being donated to every primary school in the county in association with a charity set-up in memory of a Rothley teenager.
The story of Ruffle the Life Saver, the latest in the adventures of Ruffle the Rail Dog, a series of books written and illustrated by author Rachel Greaves, has launched this year’s SADS (sudden arrhythmic death syndrome) Awareness Week.
The week, which runs until this Sunday (October 8), is the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust’s annual week of activity.
The JHMT was set up fol- lowing the death of Rothley teenager Joe Humphries, who died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome while out jogging.
During the week, the trust looks to promote its important work campaigning for better understanding and recognition of SADS and other heart conditions which can strike very suddenly - particularly in seemingly fit and healthy young people aged between 12 and 35-years-old.
The JHMT is organising for copies of Ruffle the Life Saver to be sent to all city and county primary schools to help raise awareness of the importance of CPR and defibrillator training.
Lauren Humphries, from the JHMT, said: “Ruffle’s story is ideal for helping us to spread the message that no matter what age, everyone can play their part to save in case of a cardiac emergency.
“Stories like this one normalise defibrillator and CPR training, which is exactly what we want for the next generation.”
Rachel said: “I feel very humbled and pleased to think that my creation of Ruffle could be used to potentially help save lives”.
During the week, the trust will also show how even very young children can help to save a life in the event of a cardiac emergency - either by raising the alarm or learning CPR skills.
• For more, visit: jhmt.org. uk or to view the Ruffle the Life Saver online film, visit: jhmt. org.uk/cpr