On Sunday 27th April, Leicestershire Hockey Association (LHA) representatives led by Vice – President David Cawthorn of the schools and youth section presented a defibrillator to Lyn Morris, duty officer of St Margaret's Pasture Sports Centre, Leicester.

The defibrillator was donated by the Leicestershire Hockey Association in collaboration with the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust.

Steve Humphries, chair of JHMT, said:

'This is another important step to ensure safer sport for all in the community. Now we know that fit and healthy young people can also be susceptible to subtle heart conditions (SADS), all sports venues should be prepared for the worst case scenario should someone's heart stop beating.

We do hope the wider sports family across Leicester-shire will follow LHA's fine example as every second counts should someone collapse with a cardiac arrest.'

The donation of a defibrillator to the centre came about following a recent SADS/ELS presentation to young hockey players, coaches and parents from the JHMT's community liaison officer Alan Harrison White to the Leicestershire & Rutland Hockey Association Schools and Youth Section.

David Cawthorne, Vice President of the Leicestershire and Rutland Hockey Association Schools and Youth Section, said

'This was an excellent and informative presentation to make the 150 players and parents present aware of SADS,CPR and AEDs. Those present were very attentive and gained valuable insight into how to recognise the symptoms of possible heart conditions and how to deal with any emergency that may arise'.

As a result of this presentation LRHA Schools and Youth Executive Committee decided to donate a defibrillator to St Margaret's Sports Centre for use in emergencies and to help save lives.