Leicester City’s Matty James Visits SADS Conference

- King Power Stadium hosts third annual SADS Awareness Conference
- Expertise shared to improve understanding of sudden heart deaths in young people
- Leicester City midfielder Matty James in attendance to support the event
- Event hosted by Joe Humphries Memorial Trust in conjunction with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicester City star Matty James was at King Power Stadium on Friday to support an annual event exploring issues around sudden heart deaths in young people.
The third annual SADS Awareness Conference was organised by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust in conjunction with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. The event brought together healthcare professionals, sports coaches, teachers and youth leaders to further their learning and share knowledge on sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS).
Taking place in King Power Stadium’s Weller Lounge, the conference programme included workshops covering topics such as ECG recognition, screening for families, bereavement and family support, and how to spot the warning signs of SADS. Guest speakers included expert medical professionals in sport and cardiology from all over the UK.
Matty James said:“When you think of the lives that could be saved by people just being more aware of SADS, you realise how worthwhile events like this are. The more people understand the condition, the better the chance of survival.
“As Leicester City players we’ve got a responsibility to support important community work like this and I’m really pleased I’ve been able to be involved.”

The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust was established following the death of 14-year-old Joe Humphries, who died in 2012 from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome while out running near his family home in Rothley, Leicestershire. Joe’s family and friends have since worked tirelessly to campaign for a better understanding of sudden, unexpected death in young people.
The work to improve understanding is also supported by the LCFC Foxes Foundation, whose successful Defibrillator Appeal has raised thousands of pounds to have defibrillators installed in secondary schools in Leicestershire.
On the eve of the Rugby World Cup arriving in Leicester this weekend, England and Leicester rugby legend Martin Johnson was on hand to open Friday’s event. A World Cup winner in 2003, Martin is a patron of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust.
He said:“It’s vitally important that as many people as possible learn more about subtle heart diseases and how they can affect young people.
“SADS and other subtle heart diseases can strike anyone, at any time. Sometimes, they can affect seemingly fit and healthy young people while they are playing sport.
“That’s why it’s so important that sports club coaches – and anyone who works with young people undertaking physical activity – knows the signs and knows what to do if someone collapses.”

Dr Ffion Davies, consultant in A&E at Leicester’s Hospitals, said:“Following the success of our last two conferences, this year we want to broaden the audience to include teachers, sports coaches and anyone who deals with teenagers and people in their 20s, because one day they may have to perform resuscitation. We want to show how easy and quick it is to learn CPR, and the importance of getting hold of a defibrillator quickly.”
To find out more about SADS and the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, please visit