ANOTHER high school in Gwent has received a potentially lifesaving defibrillator, thanks to Jack’s Appeal.
Bassaleg School is the latest secondary school to benefit from a defibrillator, which can help a person in cardiac arrest.
The presentation came as part of an Argus appeal launched by Jack Thomas’ parents June and Grant Thomas, after the Oakdale teenager died suddenly aged 15.
The appeal, which has now reached its target, aimed to give every secondary school in Gwent a defibrillator.
Mrs Thomas said she now hoped to continue raising funds for more defibrillators and start a petition to make heart screenings compulsory in schools.
Bassaleg ead teacher Elizabeth Thomas said: “We were grateful to receive the defibrillator from Mrs Thomas during our Year eight assembly.
“All involved were moved by the presentation and many pupils have already approached us to ask about training on how to use the vital piece of equipment.
“We’ve got such a large site we’re hoping to purchase a second defibrillator in the near future.”
Jack died suddenly at his girlfriend’s house in Newbridge in February 2012.
His parents are yet to find out what exactly caused his death, but believe it to be associated with a possible arrhythmia.
Following the teenager’s death in February 2012, the couple set up CRY in the Valleys: Jack Thomas Memorial Fund, to help the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, which backs the provision of heart screening in schools.
Jack’s Appeal was launched following the couple's presentation of a defibrillator to their son's school, Oakdale Comprehensive, in Autumn 2013.
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