Every year in the UK, 30,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. Sadly, just less than one in 10 survive. Maggie Throup, Member of Parliament for Erewash is now backing a campaign to get more defibrillators in schools and public places.
The Oliver King Foundation launched the campaign in Westminster and Maggie was there to show her support.
After the launch Maggie said:
"Early access to a defibrillator is vital, as, for every minute that passes, chances of survival drop by 10 percent. I am lucky that my Mum was that one in 10 survivor.
"I was inspired by The Oliver King Foundation which was set up following the tragic death of 12-year-old Oliver King from a sudden cardiac arrest, which kills 12 young people every single week.
"It is vital that we take whatever action we can to prevent any loss of life where one can be saved. It was interesting to hear how many lives have been saved as a result of the work of the Foundation, including a caretaker at a school who had only received the defibrillator two weeks earlier.
"I know we already have defibrillators across Erewash, including one in a phone box in Stanton by Dale, but we need more.
"I will be delighted to work as a Defibrillator Champion, helping to raise awareness of the importance of having defibrillators in more schools and public places, ensuring that saving lives will be a legacy that we can all be proud of."
Mark King, father of Oliver King who died from a sudden cardiac arrest said:
“Five 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.”