THE parents of a little boy who collapsed on a playing field when his heart stopped have given an emotional thanks to the school bursar who saved his life - just a day after she completed a CPR course.

Christine Kidman spent 15 minutes carrying out CPR on Harrison Lovett when he fell ill while playing football at Peter Gladwin School in Portslade.

Her actions have been praised by medics as well as Harrison’s mum and dad, who say Harrrison would have died without her expert help.

Alex and Rachel Lovett has now nominated Mrs Kidman, who had just a day earlier taken a refresher course in CPR, for an award and are backing moves to have a defibrillator installed at the school in Drove Road.

The couple have also thrown their support behind The Argus Save a Life campaign, which is calling on schools, businesses and clubs around the county to get life-saving defibrillators installed.

Harrison, seven, had shown no signs of illness before his collapse and was later discovered to have an undiagnosed heart condition called hypertophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

He has had a mini-defibrillator inserted into his heart to keep his heartbeat regular and is now doing well.

Mrs Lovett, 46, from Portslade, said: “Christine's bravery and quick reactions have given us something we could never thank her enough for.

“Not only has she saved our son’s life but she gave him best the opportunity for a full recovery without any brain damage or other complications by her tireless and incredible 15 minutes of non-stop CPR.

“She is an amazing woman and one that needs to be recognised and celebrated, not only for what she has done for us as parents, but also the great example she is of someone trained in CPR and the amazing results that can be achieved.

“We love Christine dearly for what she has done and will never be able to thank her enough.”

Mr Lovett, 40, said: “Harry has made an absolutely miraculous recovery. We are so incredibly lucky.”

The couple have also thanked paramedics, the police and the staff at the Royal Alexandra Children’s hospital and Evelina Hospital in London for helping their son following his collapse last month.

Evelina consultant cardiologist Eric Rosenthal said: “The difference between life and death following a cardiac arrest is dependent on the quality of the CPR given before an ambulance arrives.

“There is no doubt that Harrison’s recovery is down to the excellent quality of CPR he received after he collapsed on the football pitch.”

Mrs Kidman said: “Above all we’re thrilled that Harry has made such a fantastic recovery.

“I would like to underline that it was a real team effort that day. A lot of people all made a vital difference in many different ways.

“I could not have done what I did without the expert training and support I’ve received.”

Mr and Mrs Lovett are now working with the school and the Connor Saunders Foundation to get a defibrillator installed.

There are also plans to hold charity fundraising and awareness events.over the coming months.