THE memory of a record-breaking young footballer from Hereford will live on thanks to a life-saving donation from his father.

As a boy, Paul Jenkins set a record in the Herefordshire Junior League when he went seven seasons in a row without missing a game in the competition.

He started as a 10-year-old striker and played every game as he worked his way through the age-groups until he was 16.

His remarkable achievement involved five seasons with Lads Club and one each with Widemarsh and Hinton.

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Paul died in 2015 at the age of 30 and now his father Brian has bought a defibrillator for a county football club in his memory to help those who have suffered a cardiac arrest and need care before emergency services arrive.

Fittingly, Ledbury Town have installed the £1,700 equipment at their New Street ground where Paul completed his seven-year sequence of games by playing in an under-16 cup final in 2002.

His father Brian, who also played local football in the county, said: “A defibrillator should always be available at local matches in case the worst happens to a player, spectator or even passers-by.

“In recent years football supporters will remember the high-profile cases of Fabrice Muamba and Christian Eriksen who collapsed during matches and survived thanks to emergency treatment.

“Local footballers may not have access to the kind of treatment available in the professional game, but a defibrillator may save their lives.

“I contacted a number of clubs in the county and I am delighted Ledbury have agreed to site the equipment at their ground where the wider community can also access it if needed.”

Town chairman Peter Boyle said: “This is not only a massive thing for our club, but it is also massive for Ledbury.

“To have one of these machines placed in the town means it will be within walking distance when someone needs it and it can hopefully save lives.

“This would not have been possible without Brian’s donation in memory of his son and we are forever grateful.”