An “inspirational” mother who unexpectedly lost her 15-year-old son from a suspected undiagnosed heart condition has been recognised for her fundraising work carried out in her late son’s name.
June Thomas, of Oakdale, was officially presented with a British Empire Medal for her work with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and her efforts to get lifesaving defibrillators into schools.
In February 2012, June’s 15-year-old son Jack died unexpectedly and together with husband Grant and younger son Owain, launched Jack’s Appeal with charity Welsh Hearts to get defibrillators into schools. June also established a Valley’s branch of charity CRY to provide free heart screening sessions for pupils.
To date, more than £69,000 has been raised for CRY, while Jack’s Appeal has raised £67,000 and has delivered 49 defibrillators to schools.
June, together with nurse Phil Hill, has also led calls for ‘Jack’s Law’ – a requirement for heart defibrillators to be installed in every public building.
After being presented with her medal, which was announced in the New Year’s Honours List, June said: “What happened to Jack was heartbreaking. Creating a fund in his memory has truly inspired me to do all that I can to provide lifesaving equipment to schools and community facilities.
“My aim is to provide a defibrillator to every secondary school in Wales and with the help and support of charities and the generous public that target seems within reach.”
Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, presented June with her medal at a ceremony at Caerphilly Council’s headquarters on Monday, September 11.
He said: “It is a great honour to present this award to June celebrating her outstanding fundraising efforts. What she has managed to achieve is commendable and will potentially save lives in the future.”
Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council Cllr John Bevan added: “June is a truly inspiring woman who has achieved so much after such a tragedy. CRY is one of the charities I have chosen to support during my year in office as Mayor which makes the ceremony all the more special.”
Congratulations – well deserved.
Well done June, Grant and owain. You are all amazing!