Schoolchildren from across Stevenage have been learning crucial life-saving and CPR skills through sessions led by the charity Defibrillators in Public Places (DiPPs), as part of Stevenage Sporting Futures Team’s Love your Heart Month initiative.

Throughout February, the children have also learnt how a defibrillator works and how to use one if they ever find themselves in a medical emergency.

Upon completion of the session, children received a certification of participation and wrist band.

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Each primary school within Stevenage and the surrounding areas have been able to host the sessions in their schools.

Across the month, over 1,150 children have received the training.

Regan Carolan, executive partnership manager of the Stevenage Sporting Futures Team, said: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with DiPPs and the inspiring work they do for our community.

The Comet: DiPPs talked to Year 5 pupils across Stevenage about CPRDiPPs talked to Year 5 pupils across Stevenage about CPR (Image: Stevenage Sporting Futures)

"Through the initiative, children have been able to learn crucial lifesaving skills and our organisation have been able to donate to this wonderful charity.”

Arline Hursey, founder and trustee of DiPPs, added: “DiPPs raise funds to place life-saving defibrillators into our communities and raise awareness of the ease of use.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the Stevenage Sporting Futures Team and meet so many incredible children that now understand the importance of CPR and getting a defibrillator to the patient quickly.

The Comet: Roebuck Academy pupils were among hundreds of others across Stevenage to learn CPRRoebuck Academy pupils were among hundreds of others across Stevenage to learn CPR (Image: Stevenage Sporting Futures)

"Do you know where your nearest defibrillator is?

"For more information please see our website, Facebook page or contact DiPPs4james@gmail.com.”

DiPPs is a Welwyn Garden City-based, family-run charity, which was founded in memory of 18-year-old James Hursey who died suddenly in 2015.

The charity raises money for the installation of defibrillators across Hertfordshire, as well as training and awareness. 

To find out more about DiPPs, visit their dipps4james.co.uk.

You can support the charity by donating at dipps4james.co.uk/how-to-help.

For further information about the Stevenage Sporting Futures Team, contact rcarolan@stevenagesportingfutures.co.uk.