A FORMER Leicestershire batsman and England coach has helped launch a campaign to train amateur cricketers in vital life-saving skills.

Tim Boon, England under-19s coach and an ex-county player, attended Rothley Park Cricket Club to lend his support for the campaign, which has been organised by local charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

The club recently purchased a defibrillator and will be receiving training from the charity in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a defibrillator.

Steve Thomason from Rothley Park Cricket Club said: "We have strong links with JHMT, as the charity is based in the same village as us. JHMT has been our charity of choice to support for the last few years through the Party in the Park, an annual fund-raising event we host in Rothley each summer."

"We've bought a defibrillator for our club and now we want to make sure as many people as possible – both players and club officials – know how to use it."

"Next year, our 200^th anniversary, we are having a new clubhouse built where the defibrillator will be installed in a box on the outside wall. This means it will be accessible 24/7 to the community, should it be needed in an emergency."

Club secretary Sam Rowe added: "As a leading club in the county, we pride ourselves on providing an enjoyable and safe environment for all players, club officials and people who attend matches. We have also become more aware of the importance of learning life-saving skills and having a defibrillator on site since the tragic loss of young Joe Humphries, who died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a jog."

"We know, through the work of Joe's Trust, that sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable and can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. It can affect people of all ages, including young people, of which we have more than 100 registered at our club."

"I do hope the club's example provides the impetus for more clubs to follow suit in creating a heart safe cricket community across Leicestershire. It's so important that we are all better prepared in case of an emergency in and around the grounds and local community."

"Having more people trained in CPR, having access to a defibrillator and knowing how to use it could mean the difference between life and death."

The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust offers free training in these vital skills to sports clubs across the city and county, in an effort to ensure that as many people as possible know how to save a life if an emergency occurs.

It also works to promote awareness of sudden heart deaths, after the death of Rothley lad Joe Humphries, in 2012, aged just 14.

Tim Boon, England under-19s coach, former Leicestershire batsman and supporter of JHMT, added: "Congratulations to everyone involved in putting in the time and energy to create a safer environment at Rothley Park Cricket club. Their efforts will also benefit the local community."

"Having more club personnel, including players, trained in hands-on CPR with access to a defibrillator should be an essential part of any sports club's duty of care to protect players as well as everyone else."

"This is one area where sport, and in this case cricket, can and should play its part in helping to create a safer community for all."

To find out more about the JHMT or enquire about training for your club, visit www.jhmt.org.uk

You can also follow the Trust on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/jhmtorguk or @jhmt.org.uk