A campaign set up in memory of a late 15-year-old boy to equip every secondary school in Caerphilly County Borough with a heart defibrillator is now targeting primary schools, after its objective was successfully completed.
In 2012, Jack Thomas, from Oakdale, died unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition.
Since then his mother June has campaigned for a change in the law to make it a requirement that heart defibrillators are installed in every public building.
Together with charity Welsh Hearts, Mrs Thomas launched Jack’s Appeal with the aim of getting a defibrillator in every comprehensive school.
June explained: “After Jack passed away we found out that we weren’t alone and there are hundreds of other parents who have lost their dear children too.
“Every week, 12 young people in the UK die suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition.
“Since Jack’s death we have worked in partnership with Welsh Hearts to raise money for heart screening programmes and defibrillators for schools in Wales.
“We have also visited schools to teach pupils and staff lifesaving skills and how to use their defibrillators.
“We have found much comfort working with Welsh Hearts and knowing that other young people will be saved as a result of heart screening programmes and defibrillators being funded.”
Earlier this year St Martin’s Comprehensive School in Caerphilly town was presented with a lifesaving device – completing the appeal’s original goal.
Now the appeal has turned its attention to equipping every primary school with the equipment.
Each device costs around £1,000 and for more information on how to donate to Jack’s Appeal, please visit www.welshhearts.org.
Our lovely Jack was amazing and no doubt he will look down at his mam, dad and brother with pride.