Cricket club becomes heartsafe with the help of JHMT

Oakham Cricket Club in Rutland has funded the new defibrillator with support from Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Leagues and by putting its own club funds towards the project.

The external cabinet which will keep the defibrillator safe was donated by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

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

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.

During February and March 2022 during the build up to the new cricket season, club's members will undergo key CPR and AED familiarisation training led by JHMT.

The Rutland based club have 150 members across all age groups raining between five to eighty years of age. In 2020, the club celebrated its 150 anniversary and have just completed their first year in the Premier League. Next season, the club will run five weekend adult sides for the first time.

Nick Begy, President of Oakham CC, said: " Having witnessed a tragic on field death due to cardiac arrest at Oakham RFC and with the growing numbers of Leicestershire cricket clubs taking steps to have an onsite AED, it became obvious that we needed to take steps to create a heartsafe environment at the club for members, visiting teams and the local community.

"Whilst we hope we will never have to use it, it shows our commitment to being fully prepared for a cardiac emergency both on and off the field. Nothing can be more important than saving a life. We are a community club in the centre of town, and its important to us that everyone has access and that's why we have made the defib' highly visible."

"I can't thank the Trust enough for their help. It was a simple process and I recommend it to everyone, and indeed I hope all clubs follow our lead" added Nick.

Steve Humphries from the JHMT said: "Congratulations to Oakham C.C. for all their hard work behind the scenes to help create a heart safe environment at their home ground which will also benefit the wider community.

"The work goes on to create a heartsafe culture across the wider Leicestershire & Rutland sporting community, including cricket, local football, rugby and other sports clubs and groups. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime and at any age, including seemingly fit and healthy young people. It's vitally important everyone learns CPR and knows how to use a defibrillator – and that defibrillators are readily available in case of a cardiac emergency. Being prepared is key."

In 2018, the Everards Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League's premier division made it a league requirement for all premier league clubs to sign up to the Leicestershire and Rutland Heart Awareness in Cricket (HAC) partnership. As part of the requirements, all clubs must have a defibrillator at their grounds and provide CPR and defibrillator training for the membership of each club, including players, coaches and officials.

Andy Hibberd, Leicestershire County Cricket Senior Club Network Officer, said: "A huge well done to Oakham Cricket Club on the acquisition of an on-site AED and more importantly becoming another heartsafe club in Leicestershire and Rutland. The club has enjoyed an excellent 2021, winning the Premier T20 and securing Premier League status for 2022 in their first season in the top division. Equally as important, the club has prioritised the safety of members and visitors alike by working with JHMT to complete this project. This is another good example of a club utilising Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League grant funding to help purchase a new defibrillator. Should any other club have the same ambition as Oakham, please do not hesitate to get in touch."

To find out more about the work of the Trust, apply for training and support, or to help out 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 .