Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, became a defibrillator champion in Parliament last week after meeting with representatives from the Oliver King Foundation.
As part of European Restart a Heart Day Gavin visited The Oliver King Foundation at their launch event in Westminster to show support.
The Oliver King Foundation was launched following the tragic death of 12-year-old Oliver King from a sudden cardiac arrest, which kills 12 young people every single week. Oliver was winning a swimming race at school.
Every single year in the UK, 30,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. Sadly, just less than 1-in-10 survive. It’s time to take action. To date, the Foundation has trained 15,000 people in emergency first aid, placed 800 defibrillators in the community saving at least 9 lives.
Locally, Gavin has visited AED volunteers in Kinver, Featherstone and Shareshill who have raised awareness and vital funds which have gone towards the installation of public access defibrillators. Most recently he has welcomed the arrival of the first defibrillator in Great Wyrley.
Jake Morrison, Chief Executive of The Oliver King Foundation said: “We are delighted that Gavin 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 Gavin 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.”
Signing up to become a Defibrillator Champion Gavin commented: “I am proud to become a lifesaving Defibrillator Champion for South Staffordshire. 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 my constituency 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.”