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Heart defibrillator installed at Pontllanfraith supermarket

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 10:59, Thursday September 26th, 2019.
Last updated: 12:30, Monday September 30th, 2019

Staff from Pontllanfraith Sainsbury’s with the new heart defibrillator

A heart defibrillator has been installed outside the Sainsbury’s store in Pontllanfraith.

The potentially-life saving equipment can be used to help someone who is having a heart attack.

Linda Korczynski, who works at the store, held a raffle, raising £450 for the defibrillator cabinet, while the defibrillator itself was donated to the store by June Thomas from the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Mrs Thomas’ 15-year-old son Jack, who was from Oakdale, died from an undiagnosed heart condition in 2012.

Ms Korczynski said: “Thank you so much to June from all the staff and customers at Sainsbury’s Pontllanfraith.

“This will be great for the community.”

The defibillator was installed after staff from the store raised more than £3,700 through bike rides and raffles to support CRY.

Staff from Pontllanfraith Sainsbury’s raised £3,705.02

Mrs Thomas said: “We’re very touched by the generosity of Sainsbury’s Pontllanfraith colleagues and customers. The money they’ve already raised has really made a difference to us and we look forward to future fundraising events.

“Jack was a fit and healthy boy who had represented Wales all across Europe on a number of occasions in Taekwondo.

“Jack was a student and had been successful in gaining a scholarship at Cardiff Sixth Form Colleague. Jack’s death came as a complete shock to us, as Jack had never been ill.

“To this day we still have had no answers to why our precious boy fell asleep. Since Jack’s death we have set up a memorial fund within CRY in his name and all money raised helps pay for local heart screening sessions.”

Store Manager, Ffiona Clark said: “It’s been fantastic to see the way everyone’s pulled together since we started working with CRY in memory of Jack Thomas Fund.

“We’ve enjoyed coming up with ways to support and volunteer for this very worthy cause and it’s great to think that we’re making a positive difference to so many people.”

Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's

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