Milestone in legacy of Jamie who died aged 18

DEFIBRILLATOR NUMBER 50 SET UP IN VENUE WHERE TEEN DIED

A campaign to honour a teenager who died of a sudden heart attack has reached a major milestone.

Jamie Rees, from Wolvey, was 18 when he died in the early hours of New Year’s Day in 2022.

Jamie went into cardiac arrest at a party, but his chances of survival were limited by delays in ambulances on the day, with crews taking 17 minutes to reach him. A lack of nearby defibrillators also hindered help for Jamie.

Ever since, his mum, Naomi ReesIssitt, has been determined to help others and vowed to install life-saving defibrillators in Rugby, where Jamie was at college, and beyond through the Our Jay Foundation, the charity set up in Jamie’s name.

Since launching, it has raised thousands of pounds, installing defibrillators far and wide and has now hit a major milestone - its 50th device.

The latest is especially poignant for Naomi as it will be installed where her son collapsed - The Stag and Pheasant

pub in Rugby.

Naomi said the support she, the family and the charity have received still surprises her.

She said: “It’s because of what people think of Jamie that we’ve been given so much support and able to reach this number.

“I’m so proud of him. He deserved so much better. And because of him, many other people will receive much better.

“They won’t have to go through the same panic his friends went through of not knowing where the nearest defibrillator was or how to use it. It should never have been left to a grieving family to fix the dire situation that existed.”

Naomi’s tireless campaigning to provide life-saving help where possible has also seen her honoured with various awards, among them the Woman of Courage accolade at the Ladies First Network Business and Women Awards.

More information about the Our Jay Foundation can be found at: