A BOWLS club in Malvern has installed life-saving equipment in memory of a much-loved former member.

Malvern Victoria has installed a defibrillator at its home in the town after the death of long-standing club member Les Rawle.

He suffered a heart attack while playing bowls there a number of years ago and sadly died in hospital.

Then, in January 2019, club president Henry Steer died after a cardiac arrest near his home.

The installation has been on the agenda for the club ever since, and now, with the help of Heartstart Malvern, it has now been completed.

A club spokesman said: "Now, through the agency of our club captain Don Handy, we are delighted to announce it has come about.

"Don has worked in close co-operation with Richard Vakis- Lowe from Heartstart Malvern, who has been extremely helpful in the completion of this project.

"In addition, Mr Vakis-Lowe and his assistants have kindly offered training courses in the use of the defibrillator for club members."

Starting in October they will take place monthly and last around 90 minutes and are completely free of charge.

Since the club operates as a community hub, the training sessions are open to non-members and any member of the public is invited to attend.

The official handing over of the defibrillator took place on Wednesday, September 1.

This was the occasion when Jim Steer, the Club Captain of Gildredge Bowling Club brought his team to our club for a match.

Mr Steer is the brother of Henry Steer and has already donated a bench to commemorate Henry’s memory.

To help other individuals who may suffer a heart attack, Jim has made a donation of £1,000 in aid of the defibrillator fund.

The funds have come from Henry’s Steer’s estate.