Local MP Luke Hall has joined the campaign to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest in young people, and is working with schools in South Gloucestershire to help increase their access to lifesaving defibrillators.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest sadly kills 12 young people every single week. On top of this every single year in the UK, 30,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. Sadly, just less than 1-in-10 survive. Early access to a defibrillator is vital. For every minute that passes, chances of survival drop by 10%.
This was demonstrated in 2012 footballer Fabrice Muamba was shocked 16 times by a lifesaving defibrillator in front of the nation.
The Oliver King Foundation was setup following the tragic death of 12 year old Oliver King from a sudden cardiac arrest. As part of European Restart a Heart Day Luke visited the Foundation at their launch event in Westminster to show support and learn more about the campaign.
Signing up to become a Defibrillator Champion for the Thornbury and Yate Constituency, Luke said:
“I am proud to become a local lifesaving Defibrillator Champion. It is vital that we take action to prevent any loss of life where one can be saved. I will be working with local schools in the area to fundraise and get lifesaving defibrillators in our area, protecting our students, teachers and visitors whilst at school. It was interesting to hear from the Foundation about how many lives have been saved, including a caretaker at a school who had only received the defibrillator two weeks earlier. I will be delighted to work as a Defibrillator Champion, saving lives is a legacy that we can all be proud of.”
Jake Morrison, Chief Executive of The Oliver King Foundation said:
“We are delighted that Luke has signed up as a Defibrillator Champion. It is important that we spread awareness of the vital need for this equipment in our communities. Our Members of Parliament have a great platform and connection in their constituencies to spread this message.
We look forward to working with Luke and saving lives for years to come.”
Mark King, father of 12-year-old Oliver King who died from a sudden cardiac arrest said:
“5 years ago when my son Oliver passed away from this hidden heart condition, we didn’t know that his legacy would reach this far. We are determined to save as many young lives as possible, so that no other family has to suffer a similar loss to that of ours.”