Welsh Hearts (Calonnau Cymru)
Every Second Counts’ for the ‘Welsh Hearts’ Appeal to reach its target of placing 500 defibrillators into Cardiff, and for heart screening sessions from January 2016, for 14 to 35 year olds throughout Wales
In the two years since its inception, Welsh Hearts’ aim has been to improve the chances of those who have cardiac arrests outside of hospital. They have already been successful in placing 235 defibrillators across Wales and the charity is also working with Tonypandy GP Dr Rob Baron, on the RCT100 Appeal to place over a hundred defibrillators into Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Each year in Wales approximately 8000 sudden cardiac arrests occur outside of hospital. The survival rate is three per cent but where an AED (defibrillator) is used the survival rate is 50%.
As part of their ongoing awareness, Welsh Hearts teamed up with ‘Jack’s Appeal’, set up after fit and healthy A* pupil Jack Thomas died from an undiagnosed heart condition. Welsh Hearts now visit secondary and primary schools teaching CPR and use of a defibrillator and basic first aid training for younger pupils.
The WRU and Welsh Hearts have also teamed up so that every rugby club in Wales will have a defibrillator and all members trained in CPR.
Director of the Charity and Founder of Welsh Hearts Sharon Owen said: Welsh Hearts do not receive any funding, relying solely on donations and fundraising activities. If you would like to donate, fundraise or volunteer please visit www.welshhearts.org or call 029 2064 7735.
For more information on how you can support the “Every Second Counts Appeal”
please contact 029 2064 7735 or email: fundraising@welshearts.org
