Kings equipped with Defibrillator thanks to Tom Midcalf Memorial Fund

23rd Sep, 2008, by J Owens

Last week The Kings of Wessex School was one of the first schools in Somerset to be equipped with a life-saving Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with staff First Aiders trained by Robbie Milham of South Western Ambulance Service.

The defibrillator was donated to Kings by The Tom Midcalf Memorial Fund. A student at the school, 15-year-old talented young sportsman Tom (Mids) passed away in his sleep on 30 October 2007. His parents Steve and Rachel, and younger sister Lucy set up the fund in his memory to support the work of SADS UK (Sudden Adult Death Trust). As a fit and healthy young man Tom's premature sudden cardiac death was devastating for his family and community. Sudden cardiac arrest can affect anyone, sometimes even children. A popular student, Tom's first love was football, and he was Captain of Axbridge Saxons and the team's player of the year, as well as being a talented artist and outstanding student.

Students at Kings were united in their fundraising in Tom's memory and over the past year his friends have raised nearly £3,000 by various sponsored events, not least a two mile run around Axbridge Reservoir, head shave, waxing and also a fast. Donations have also been given from staff at Kings, community events, and Tom's Mum recently completed the Bristol Half Marathon.

At this year's Annual Awards Evening Tom's parents introduced The Tom Midcalf Memorial Award and Year 11 students nominated Mike Bancroft as a kind and caring role model, like Tom, who is remembered for his "tremendous love of life."

Commenting for Tom's family Rachel Midcalf said, "We thank all of Tom's many friends, friends at The Kings of Wessex School and our community who have come together to raise such an incredible amount of money to champion the work of SADS UK. We continue to be moved by everyone's caring support and generosity."

In the event of a cardiac arrest a life-saving shock from a defibrillator is often the only means of restoring a heart rhythm. CPR and defibrillation should be started within three minutes of the onset of cardiac arrest in order to give a person the best chance of survival. An Early Day Motion (EDM 395) has been tabled by John Baron MP supporting SADS UK in their initiative to make AED's available on all school premises.

For more information about the Sudden Adult Death Trust visit www.sadsuk.org