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After two years of trying, Van Ward Allotments has finally unveiled its new defibrillator after two people suffered a heart attack on site.

With support through Caerphilly County Borough Council and charity Jack’s Appeal, the allotments on Castle Park, Caerphilly, unveiled the potentially life-saving equipment on Friday April 12.

Chair Tracey Davies was there and spoke to Caerphilly Observer: “We’ve been trying to sort this for a couple of years now but we didn’t have any electric here to charge the batteries.

“The solar panels we installed have solved that problem, and we couldn’t be happier to have this here.”

The defibrillator itself is on the outside of the gate on Brookside Crescent, and will be available for public use.

Tracey continued: “Having had two people suffer heart attacks on the allotments, this will come as a reassurance to many, and we’ll soon be running training sessions so people know how to use it.”

June Thomas was also there for the launch, and knows the importance of defibrillator accessibility more than most.

June lost her son, Jack Thomas, in 2012 aged just 15-years-old to a still unknown heart condition.

Described as a “fit and healthy lad” by his mum, June launched Jack’s Appeal in 2013, with the aim of putting defibrillators in every comprehensive school across south Wales.

To date, through Jack’s Appeal, June has managed to install more than 260 defibrillators across several counties in south Wales.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, June said: “We first installed a defibrillator in Oakdale Comprehensive over ten years ago and its been amazing to see how far we’ve come.

“There’s now a defibrillator at every comprehensive school in Caerphilly, and we’ve also carried out over 1,700 heart screenings in young people which has saved many lives.

“This will hopefully never be needed, but it’s always good to have one available.”

Van ward councillor Elaine Forehead lost her father to a heart attack, she was at the unveiling and said: “This has taken some time to sort out, but we’re so glad it’s here.

“I only wish one of these were available when my father had his heart attack. We’ve made a lot of progress.”