Fundraisers will make Jack’s ‘big year’ a reality

JACK Thomas always said that 2017 was going to be a “big year” for his family.

And now, five years after his death at the age of just 15, his family are making sure his words ring true.

His parents are masterminding a series of fundraising events to mark his 21st birthday.

Jack’s mum, June, said: “Jack always said that this would be our big year as I was 50 in March, his brother Owain was 18 earlier this year and it would have been his 21st in June.”

Jack, from Oakdale, Blackwood, died in 2012. He was watching a rugby match at his girlfriend’s house in Newbridge when he collapsed.

It is suspected that his death was caused by arrhythmia, but this has never been confirmed.

Since Jack’s death, June and dad Grant have campaigned for defibrillators to be placed at every school in Wales.

They backed a petition – which was handed to the Welsh Assembly Government in 2014 – dubbed Jack’s Law, which the family are still waiting to be passed.

June added: “We’re organising two events to mark Jack’s 21st birthday, which takes place on June 6.

“We’ve arranged fundraising events before but we wanted to do something especially to mark this specific event and to raise more money for Jack’s cause.

“There will be a ball and a golfing event.”

The family also hope to meet for a private gathering.

“We will probably get together some time around his birthday,” said June.

“Obviously, it is a very difficult time for us, so it’s hard.”

The family have also set up a scheme called Jack’s Appeal to provide defibrillators to schools in Wales. So far they have helped to place 54 defibrillators in schools and public buildings across Gwent and the Rhymney Valley.

The initiative is supported by Welsh Hearts, which works to provide defibrillators and free CPR training to schools and local communities.

“So far, defibrillators have been placed in schools and rugby clubs in places like Blackwood, Risca and Rhymney,” said June.

“We are also due to present one to Oakdale Rugby Club.

“In regards to Jack’s Law, we have recently had a meeting about it and people seem to be interested in it.”

The Jack’s Appeal campaign has already had a huge impact on people’s lives.

Louise Powell, 45, was attending a parents’ evening at Blackwood Comprehensive School with her two children in April 2015 when she suddenly collapsed.

A defibrillator – which was installed by Welsh Hearts at the school through Jack’s Appeal – was used to save her life.

It was used on Mrs Powell for more than 35 minutes when she was unconscious.

She later recovered and the life-saving equipment played a big part in this.

But even though the appeal has had a great response, the family still have a long way to ago to achieve their ultimate goal.

“The family and the whole community have been very supportive and we continue to raise as much money as possible,” said June.

“We just hope people can book a table and come along to the charity event as raising money for this equipment really does help to save lives.”

The Jack Thomas Memorial Golf Day will take place on Friday, June 2, at Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa in Caerphilly.

It costs £160 for a team of four to enter and the day kicks off at 8.30am.

There will be drinks and bacon rolls provided on arrival before the play-off begins at 10am.

Welsh Hearts is also hosting a memorial ball in honour of Jack on Friday, June 9.

This will take place at the Maes Manor Hotel in Blackwood.

Tickets cost £45 per person and guests will be enjoy a drinks reception, a threecourse dinner, live entertainment, an auction and a raffle.

People are expected to arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

For more information about the events, contact the events and fundraising team on 02922 402670.