SENIOR cricketers in Worcestershire recently raised money to buy four defibrillators to take to matches.

The decision, by the Worcestershire Senior Cricket Association followed the death of the club's chairman and a number of senior players last year.

It was also in response to a proposal that all 31 member counties should endeavour to provide defibrillators at championship matches.

Helping to raise the money were Rob and Maggie Underwood of Redditch HeartSafe, an organisation supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service who presented them with an award last year for their tireless work in getting defibrillators in public places.

They met at Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s ground last month where the defibrillators were handed over.

Barry Briscoe, team manager for Worcestershire Over 60s Cricket Teams, said: “Redditch HeartSafe and the Worcestershire Senior Cricket Association have worked together to provide four defibrillators which will now be available at all of the seniors matches.

“The need to have defibrillators available at all our matches was tragically realised by us following the collapse of one of our colleagues, who subsequently passed away, during a seniors match last season.

"Nationally it has been increasingly recognised that the provision of defibrillators at sports facilities and matches can have a significant impact on the survival of anyone who suffers a heart attack while either playing or attending these events."

Mr Briscoe added: “I would like to pay tribute to the help and advice which Redditch HeartSafe have given us to ensure that we have right equipment available at all our matches.”

Rob Underwood, from Redditch HeartSafe, said: “We are losing too many people every single day of the week in this country through no fault of anyone and we need these defibrillators there to give these people the best chance of survival.”

For more information, visit redditchheartsafe.com.