Rothley Imps Juniors get ‘heart safe’ training by JHMT
A COMMUNITY football club for junior players has become ‘heart safe’ by installing a defibrillator and providing training for club members, coaches and parents.
Rothley Imps Juniors FC, based at Fowke Street Recreational Park in the village, has been working closely on the project with the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).
More than 170 children play football for the Rothley Imps Juniors, from under-6s to under-16s.
Heart charity JHMT works to raise awareness of conditions like sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), which can affect anyone at any time, particularly seemingly fit and healthy young people.
About 12 young people aged 12-35 die each week in the UK from an undiagnosed heart condition like SADS.
The charity was set up in memory of Rothley teenager Joe Humphries, who died, aged just 14, while out on a run near his home.
As part of its work, JHMT helps to provide funding for community sports clubs to install defibrillators, and arranges for free CPR and defibrillator training.
Marc Jagger from Rothley Imps said: “Working closely with the JHMT we applied for a British Heart Foundation sponsored defib. We have installed this on the clubhouse outer wall.
“This is a busy park for dog walkers, children and parents and is close to housing and shops. We wanted to ensure the defib was accessible 24/7.
“JHMT has been superb, supporting us throughout the process. We fondly remember Joe’s time playing with the Rothley Imps Juniors.
“The JHMT’s Alan Harrison-White, a retired cardiac nurse and father of one of our under-16 team players, has provided multiple training sessions on the defibrillator to parents and coaches.
“All of this has really helped spread awareness of SADS and gives peace of mind to all connected with the club, should the worst should ever happen. We’re delighted with having a defibrillator on site and we love spreading the word to our visiting teams so that every club will eventually have one.”
For more information on the JHMT, visit the www.jhmt.org.uk