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North west cerebral palsy
charity receives lifesaving donation
NORTH West charity Stick 'n' Step has
recently received a lifesaving defibrillator from the Oliver King Foundation, a
Liverpool-based charity which aims to install defibrillators in locations
throughout the UK. Mark and Joanne King founded the charity following the
unexpected death of their 12 year old son Oliver. They work in his memory to
create a legacy that will save lives from cardiac arrest across the country.
The team at Stick 'n' Step received full training in the use of the
defibrillator and have received a certificate confirming they have undergone the
course. Following the Stick 'n' Step's team training, the defibrillator itself
arrived at the charity's Wallasey Centre, presented by Mark himself. On the
morning of his visit, the charity invited the parents of the children who were
attending that particular session to listen to Mark's informative chat about why
the foundation was set up and the huge benefits having a defibrillator on site
can make.
As part of his ongoing campaign, Mark is currently lobbying members of
parliament to ensure there is a defibrillator machine in every school, play
centre and other community buildings. So far the foundation has given out just
over 1,000 defibrillators. A cardiac arrest emergency could happen to anyone and
the ready availability of defibrillators in public spaces and buildings is seen
as a vital part of making sure that other people don't go through what they have
had to endure. Mark travels all across the UK, delivering defibrillators to
schools and organisations. He also speaks to students and staff about the
importance of this equipment.
Mark King was very pleased to be able to deliver the defibrillator to the
charity:- "Stick 'n' Step is doing a tremendous job with the children and I
wanted to be able to contribute to the centre's ongoing success. I'd like to see
a defibrillator in every public place and I'll continue to campaign for this
measure. We're getting there slowly and the more defibrillators we can get out
there, the more lives we can save."
Sarah Smithson, operations manager at Stick 'n' Step, is delighted the centre
has received the defibrillator:- "A defibrillator is seen as such a vital
piece of equipment these days. We've all heard stories of how they can be the
difference between someone surviving or succumbing to cardiac arrest. Here at
the centre, it's as much peace of mind as anything else, knowing that in the
rare event of something happening to someone while at the centre, we have the
facility to treat them on site instantly."
Stick 'n' Step provides support services to children with cerebral palsy and
their families. The charity works with over 70 children, allowing the children
to gain the skills they need to live independent lives through conductive
education sessions. The specialist sessions are provided free of charge to the
families by Stick 'n' Step.
For more information about Stick 'n' Step and how you can help, visit:-
StickNStep.Org or call:- 0151 638
0888. If you would like more information on the Oliver King Foundation or how a
defibrillator can make a difference you can contact the Foundation via
email, or
call:- 0151 728 3470. |
