[H1]Life saving equipment has been provided to two Hitchin community centres and a school.[H1]

The trio are beneficiaries of a scheme that provides new automated external defibrillators which give increased protection to everyone against sudden cardiac arrest.

The much-celebrated Hitchin AED Scheme, founded in 2003 by Maggie Hackney, has already helped support or fully fund 14 sites across Hitchin, and now with the support of Hitchin Town Youth FC, Walsworth Community Association and Activate Fitness they have established three more public access defibrillator (PAD) sites.

These new PAD sites are located at Walsworth Community Centre on Woolgrove Road, St John's Community Centre, St Johns Road, and Highbury Infants School, Standhill Road.

Maggie Hackney, Founder of Hitchin AED Scheme said: "It is now widely recognised that sports venues should have an accessible AED close-by, and this move, thanks to the kind support of Hitchin Town Youth FC, Walsworth Community Association and Activate Fitness we have done just that.

"I would encourage other clubs and associations in the town to follow their lead and ensure their AED's are accessible to the wider community, protecting as many people as possible."

The three sites were chosen for a number of different reasons.

The Community Centres at Walsworth and St John's are both within close proximity of two busy footballing sites.

They are used by numerous Hitchin Town Youth teams, as well as players from other clubs including FC Comets, Wymondley Park FC and Hitchin Belles.

In addition to football, these sites are also used by a variety of different fitness groups.

Activate Fitness has always had an AED at all of their sessions but wanted to give all groups using these venues the reassurance of an accessible PAD site close by.

The AEDs at all three venues are now operational and provide immediate 24/7 access and support to any members of the public in need.

Adam Nethersole, Committee member at Hitchin Town Youth FC said: "On behalf of the club, our Committee and our Coaches I am delighted we have supported Hitchin AED Scheme in establishing new PAD sites across the town."

"We all witnessed the horrific scenes last year when Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 and this brought home the crucial requirement to have an accessible AED close-by.

"Two of the selected sites are within close proximity to popular footballing venues and will help us better ensure the safety of our players and spectators, as well as those from other clubs. Over the coming seasons we hope - with the help of other clubs in the town - to provide more PAD sites."