LIFE-saving equipment met life-long learning when a charity founded by a bereaved Rugby mum installed a defibrillator at the town’s adult education centre.
The publicly-accessible defibrillator has been installed at the entrance to the Percival Guildhouse opposite Rugby Registry Office in Bloxham Place.
The defibrillator was provided by the OurJay Foundation, the charity founded by Naomi Rees Issitt to raise awareness, funds and training for accessible defibrillators following the death of her son Jamie Rees of cardiac arrest at the age of 18.
The new defibrillator is the 366th to be installed by the charity since its foundation in 2022.
Jem Issitt, a Trustee at OurJay Foundation, said: “This has grown from an initiative to make life-saving equipment available in Rugby to now having nationwide coverage with our defibrillators being installed as far afield as Cornwall and the Lake District, as well as throughout Rugby.
“It’s an ongoing commitment from us and from all those who now have a defibrillator and must maintain it operationally to ensure immediate help is at hand in an emergency.”
Sarah Gall, Centre Manager at the Percival Guildhouse, said: “While our nearest defibrillator was just a stone’s throw away at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, we know that precious minutes can save lives.
“So, Trustees decided we needed to have a defibrillator attached to our building. Thanks to a grant and donations, this has now been achieved.”
Heart of England Co-op (HOE) provided a grant of £1,000 towards the £1,500 cost of the unit and its installation, with the remainder being made up by donations from students attending the wide variety of courses offered by the Guildhouse.
Catherine Evans, Community and Charity Adviser at HOE, said: “The Co-operative Society is a passionate supporter of positive community initiatives which enhance wellbeing.
“We are proud to be able to support the OurJay Foundations work and assist The Percival Guildhouse.”
The Percival Guildhouse will arrange a training session for all staff, trustees and students later this year.
