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A charity launched in memory of a teenager who died from an undetected heart condition has received a £1,000 donation.

Jack’s Appeal was set up in 2013, a year after the passing of young athlete Jack Thomas, from Oakdale, at the age of just 15.

Since then, the charity has raised money to equip schools, clubs, and communities with potentially life-saving heart defibrillators.

The charity also collaborates with Cardiac Risk in the Young to provide free heart screenings across South Wales as well as Save a Life Cymru to raise awareness.

The donation was made by housebuilding firm Taylor Wimpey, which chose Jack’s Appeal as the winner of its Community Chest competition.

Blackwood residents were invited to nominate a charity as part of the competition, with the company wanting to support a charity close to its new Cwrt Sirhowy housing development in Cwmgelli.

Jack’s mother, June Thomas, said: “Since its launch, Jack’s Appeal has supplied defibrillators to every secondary school in Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough, as well as some primary schools within these locations.

“The donation will allow us to continue our work in the community, helping us save even more lives, so thank you so much Taylor Wimpey South Wales.” 

Matt James, sales manager for Taylor Wimpey South Wales, said: “As we continue to build a new community in Blackwood, we’re really pleased to be able to support a local charity that delivers life-saving defibrillators in the local area.

“This is such a worthy cause and we hope this donation will help Jack’s Appeal continue to deliver their important services across south Wales.”