Referee Roger Evans's family donate defibrillators
- Published
Roger Evans died on the pitch despite efforts to revive him
The family of a football referee who suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at a game have raised money for life-saving equipment for nine grassroots grounds.
Roger Evans, from Dronfield, Derbyshire, died after blowing the final whistle at a match in South Normanton in March.
No defibrillator was available at the ground to aid resuscitation attempts.
His family have raised £10,000 to pay for defibrillators at grounds across South Yorkshire and north Derbyshire.
Sheffield and Hallamshire Football Association staff and volunteers at the clubs will be trained by Yorkshire Ambulance Service on how to use the life-saving equipment.
Mr Evans's widow, Sue, said: "Our lives have been devastated by the loss of Roger but we are hugely grateful to the many people and organisations that have donated and support the Safety on the Sidelines Appeal.
"We take comfort knowing that Roger's legacy includes making such a positive difference to local football."
The grounds which been given defibrillators are: Balby Carr Sports College, Rossington Sports College, Rotherham MBC Herringthorpe playing fields, Barnsley Rugby Club Shaw Lane, Dinnington Town FC, Parkgate FC, Stocksbridge Park Steels, Bessecarr Juniors Cantley Park and Aurora Sports Centre.