The school's journey to create a heart safe environment began a few years ago when a group of staff went on a first aid training course. The course highlighted the importance of having a defibrillator on site and accessible in case of an emergency. The school then decided to carry out some fundraising activities to by a defibrillator. This included a hugely successful cake sale and a non- uniform day in school. In addition to this, the school's AED campaign received wonderful donations from local businesses and the schools Parents, Staff & Friends Association (PSFA).

The school's fundraising campaign managed to raise enough money to buy not one, but two defibrillators (AEDS). One of the AEDs has been installed just outside the school premises so it's easily accessible 24/7 for the school and local community, should it ever be needed. The additional AED is kept within the school and can be taken on any organised trips.

Clare Clay, head teacher at Mountsorrel Primary school, said: "As a school we are delighted to now be a heart safe environment for our pupils, parents, staff, visitors and our local community. We hope we never have to use the defibrillator but feel very reassured to know we have it in case the unthinkable ever happens.

"We would like to thank the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) for guiding us through this whole process, from helping us decide which defibrillator to buy, to kindly donating a cabinet for our 24/7 defibrillator and for already training some of our year 6 cohort. We are planning further training in the future and hope that as many staff as possible, and our new year 6 children, will be able to benefit from this."

As well as providing free CPR and defibrillator training, the JHMT works hard to raise awareness of sudden heart deaths, helps to provide community defibrillators and runs Inspire, a local grants scheme for inspirational young people , 13 –21 years old..

Dr Mike Ferguson, JHMT Trustee, said: "A cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack: in a cardiac arrest the heart stops beating and the person willdie within minutes unless resuscitation is started. The young, and seemingly fit, can be struck down – at least 12 young people die every week in the UK from a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). CPR is a vital life-saving skill that is easy to learn and gives the person a fighting chance to live. An AED can restart a heart after a cardiac arrest, and it is essential that one is readily accessible. Every second counts, and Mountsorrel school making an AED available 24/7 could save lives."

The Leicestershire charity was set up after the tragic death of Rothley teenager (14 years old) Joe Humphries in 2012, who died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a run close to his home.

To find out more about the work of the Trust, apply for training and support, or to help with the charity's work, visit the website at www.jhmt.org.uk

You can also follow the Trust on Facebook at facebook.com/JHMTorguk and Twitter @JHMTorguk