By Uche Okogwu
The parents of De Montfort University (DMU) graduate Adam Redfern, who died while on a run, are teaching students and staff the life-saving techniques of CPR training.
He graduated from DMU with a degree in Journalism and Media in 2014, was a dedicated member of the Demon Media team and later worked in the marketing and communications team at the university.
But in 2021, while out for an evening run between 8 and 9pm, Adam went into cardiac arrest. It took six minutes before he was found, and despite efforts to save him, he died at the age of 28.
Building Awareness and Saving Lives
Since he died, his family, friends, and colleagues have worked to keep his memory alive through fundraising and awareness campaigns.
These efforts include the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund, which supports student scholarships, awards, and CPR awareness projects at DMU.
His parents, Ian and Christine, have been involved in running training sessions on campus where staff and students are taught how to do life-saving CPR.
Third-year paramedic students, Chloe (20) and Libby (24), said the training has already helped them save lives.
They were taught CPR in their first year and so far, have successfully saved people’s lives.
“To describe someone as having a cardiac arrest is someone who is presumed dead as their heart doesn’t breathe,” said Chloe.
“During my first year as a paramedic student at DMU, this training gave me this knowledge to inform more people who don’t know what to do if they came across it.”
Initiatives and plans
The initiative, organised by Ian and Christine Redfern and their fundraising manager Tom Weir, aims to educate students on the value of CPR fundraising, to fund CPR training, and to continue Adam’s legacy through community events and university partnerships.
Mr Redfern said: “So far, the initiative has raised around £47,000, which has been used to fund scholarships for final-year media students and support the ongoing CPR education.
“The team also organises the annual memorial run in March, which brings together students, staff, and community members to raise funds and awareness.”
The next run will take place in March 2026. Funds raised will go toward CPR training, equipment, and collaborations with health organisations such as the NHS, the British Heart Foundation, and DMU’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
For full instructions and resources, visit the website. https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes?&utm_campaign=revivrppc~24-115&utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=google&utm_content=adcopy&utm_term=Headline&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsaS7BhDPARIsAAX5cSD85nOiYZX4zseBG4CLgFIj0pzPc2PVwp_1kW7mzrYDgLHGvcBLCr0aAsb9EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
