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Two hockey clubs, with 150 members between them, have been gifted potentially life-saving defibrillators.

Sue Noake Hockey Club and Risca Hockey Club have both been given defibrillation equipment which they can take to home and away matches.

The clubs, who are both based at Sue Noake Leisure Centre in Ystrad Mynach, were gifted the kits by the RALPHH charity, named after the late Robert Allen, who died after a shock heart attack in 2018.

The RALPHH charity, formally established in 2019, has been very active throughout 2024 in helping many different types of sport clubs across Wales and England get defibrillators.

Key among these has been the sports of rowing, sailing and hockey, with defibrillators now at 40 locations thanks to the charity.

Receiving the potentially life-saving machines were Claire Seaborne, safeguarding and first aid officer at Sue Noake Hockey Club, and Sinead Walker, first team captain of Risca.

Cllr Chris Morgan, council cabinet member for leisure, praised the initiative, saying: “The health and safety of our community is paramount, and having these defibrillators available pitch side at the hockey hub in Ystrad Mynach and for away games will give us peace of mind.

“We are grateful to RALPHH Charity and Hoci Cymru for their support in making our sports facilities safer for everyone involved.”

The defibrillators are provided free of charge to hockey clubs across Wales, with clubs interested in receiving one asked to call 0300 300 3126 or email info@hockeywales.org.uk