Edward has visited Rothley CofE Primary Academy where he was shown round the new school buildings by pupils and Deputy Headteacher Ms Kate Barrs, as well as speaking to staff and pupils in school assembly and doing a 'question time' with pupils, following which he met with the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust to discuss their hugely important work on Sudden Arrhythmic Dead Syndrome (SADS).
After his visit to the school, Edward was shown the community defibrillator installed outside the school by supporters of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust to discuss the importance of community defibrillators, the successful increase in the number of these in Charnwood and the training provided in schools, sports clubs, and businesses by the Trust, and the Trust's work more broadly. The Trust was set up following the tragic death in 2012 of 14 year old Joe Humphries from Rothley, who collapsed and died while out jogging from the heart disease, SADS. Since then the Trust and its volunteers has worked tirelessly across Leicester and Leicestershire to raise awareness of SADS, and to support the installation of community defibrillators across our area, and provide training in their use.
Edward said: "It was a pleasure to be able to visit Rothley CofE Primary Academy in its fantastic new buildings in Burrow Drive, and to see for myself the great work the school and its staff and governors team are doing to ensure Rothley children get a first-class education. I was struck by the enthusiasm of everyone I met, and by the high standards of behaviour and engagement from the pupils, as well as by the quality and insight of their questions! I wish everyone at the school all the very best, and am grateful for the warm welcome everyone showed me.
It was also very good to meet up once again with Dr Mike Fergusson and supporters of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust who do such important work in Joe's memory of raising awareness of SADS, and of championing community defibrillators across our county. I have previously highlighted their life-saving work in Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, and will continue to support and work closely with this inspirational group of local people to promote their work & cause."