Rugby teenager continues to inspire with new pitchside defibrillators for seven football teams

A teenager’s legacy continues to shine with the launch of pitchside defibrillators for all Lawford United FC teams.

The club believes a defibrillator should be part of every coach’s kit bag.

Coach Simon Ward, who is a big supporter of the OurJay Foundation, set up in memory of Jamie Rees, said seven teams now have the life-saving equipment.

"Although we are reasonably well equipped in Long Lawford as a village now with 24/7 accessible defibrillators, all of our teams play away games at various different locations also,” Simon said.

"What this means is they will always have a pitchside defibrillator at every venue that they travel to and ultimately ensures that we are heart-safer as a club for all of our members and any opposition teams we face.”

Simon hopes other sports teams will follow suit and stop other families going through the heartache of Jamie’s family.

Jamie died in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 18.

Simon went on: “As always Jamie Rees’ legacy continues to make changes and the OurJay Foundation goes from strength to strength

“We were lucky that our kind sponsors have supported us but equally sports teams could look at other options which we may also do for future teams too. Funds could be built into monthly fees for members, fundraising or even through grant applications where applicable.”

Lawford United FC would like to thank Share Haulage Ltd, The Kitchens Inc, JD fabrications, NS Tree and Landscaping Contractors, ABP Club and the OurJay Foundation.