TWO Torfaen secondary schools have praised the work of Jack’s Appeal, after taking delivery of new defibrillators.

St Alban’s RC High School in Pontypool and Abersychan School are the latest to receive the potentially lifesaving machines through the appeal, backed by the Argus and run by June and Grant Thomas, of Oakdale, in memory of their teenage son Jack.

Earlier this month, the Argus revealed that every secondary school in Gwent and the Rhymney Valley can now have a defibrillator on their premises after more than £32,500 was raised through Jack’s Appeal in 14 months.

St Alban’s RC High deputy head Daniel Foster said the school had been contacted by Jack’s parents and asked if it would be interested in receiving a defibrillator.

“We were very keen to have the opportunity to get one on site,” said Mr Foster.

“We are delighted to have received the offer and are keen to get staff and students trained,” he said.

Mr and Mrs Thomas have also been pursuing a separate campaign to get heart screening into schools for pupils, and Mr Foster said the school was open to that idea too.

“If you can be better prepared and informed should the worst happen, that has to be a good thing,” he said.

Chris Tapper, a teacher at Abersychan School, said it too had been approached by Jack’s parents and he believes the defibrillator “will be a great resource.”

“Of course, you hope you never have to use it, but it is valuable equipment to have on site,” he said.

Jack Thomas was 15 years old when he died suddenly at his girlfriend’s house in Newbridge in February 2012. Mr and Mrs Thomas are continuing the appeal in their son’s name, into other areas of Wales.

To donate, or for more information, visit welshhearts.org/jacksappeal or rememberingjack.co.uk