A LIFE-saving defibrillator has been installed at a Rugby cement plant, as a Rugby mum continues her campaign to make the life-saving devices available to the public in memory of her son.
The OurJay Foundation, founded by Rugby woman Naomi Rees-Issitt, has donated a new defibrillator to Cemex UK’s Rugby Cement Plant.
The new defibrillator will be accessible in the event of an emergency for both Cemex staff and the wider local community nearby.
Although the plant already has multiple defibrillators in place, the new partnership with the OurJay Foundation means Cemex now has a publicly accessible defibrillator at the front of the plant which the wider community can use in an emergency.
Naomi set up the charity following the death of her 18-year-old son Jamie Rees from a cardiac arrest in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2022.
Despite a defibrillator being located nearby, it was inaccessible.
Since then, the charity has installed over 350 defibrillators across Warwickshire and beyond, while raising awareness of their importance and providing training in life-saving skills.
Naomi said: “Every defibrillator installed has the potential to save lives.
“We are so grateful to Cemex for their commitment and support in helping us increase access to this vital equipment.
“The installation at Rugby Cement Plant is another important step in building a safer community in Jamie’s memory.”
As part of its partnership with the OurJay Foundation, Cemex UK colleagues at its Coventry Head Office took part in a range of fundraising activities, raising over £1,300 towards additional lifesaving equipment for the community – including a defibrillator to be installed at Rugby High School.
The charity has also delivered CPR and defibrillator awareness training to Cemex colleagues.
Phil Baynes Clarke, Director UK Cement Operations & Technology at Cemex, said: The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and our local community is our number one priority at Cemex.
“We are proud to support the OurJay Foundation and to see a defibrillator now installed at our Rugby Cement Plant.
“This equipment provides vital reassurance and could make a life-saving difference in an emergency.”
