Hartshill Academy is proud to be a HEARTSAFE school, working with the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust to raise awareness of SADS and provide pupils with vital life-saving skills.
At Hartshill Academy, we are proud to support the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) as they launch this year’s SADS Awareness Week — helping raise vital awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) and the importance of life-saving skills.
SADS is a term used for a group of hidden heart conditions that can cause sudden cardiac arrest. The week commemorates the life of 14-year-old Joe Humphries, who tragically passed away in 2012, and continues his legacy by empowering others to act in emergencies.
As part of our ongoing commitment to pupil and community wellbeing, Hartshill Academy has partnered with JHMT to provide training in how to use a defibrillator and respond effectively in life-threatening situations. These sessions give our pupils the confidence and practical skills that could one day save a life — both inside and outside school.
Our connection with JHMT was strengthened thanks to Year 10 pupils Sophie and Macy, who selected the Trust as their chosen charity through the First Give project. Their powerful presentation and passion for the cause won £1,000 of funding for the charity, helping to support its continued work across Leicestershire.
Throughout SADS Awareness Week (beginning 29th September 2025), Hartshill Academy will be hosting assemblies and workshops to help pupils learn more about heart health and the importance of taking action in an emergency.
Christian Mba, Vice Principal, said:
“At Hartshill Academy, our values of Heart, Ambition, Respect and Tenacity are at the centre of everything we do. Joe’s legacy is a powerful reminder of how education can save lives, and we are proud to be part of this important initiative. Developing lifesaving skills through our partnership with JHMT shows our pupils that with knowledge, confidence and compassion, they can make a real difference.”
Macy, Year 10, added:
“We chose JHMT because it’s a local charity that really focuses on people our age. The £1,000 we won will go straight back into helping the local area, which makes us really proud. The training we did gave us confidence to know what to do in an emergency — and that’s something we’ll carry with us for life.”
Hartshill Academy is proud to be a HEARTSAFE school, standing alongside JHMT in helping to ensure that everyone has the skills and confidence to be a lifesaver.