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Royal Recognition for Defibrillator Mum's Lifesaving Work
22 Feb
Summary
- Naomi Rees-Issitt honored with British Empire Medal for defibrillator advocacy.
- Her campaign began after her son Jamie died from cardiac arrest in 2001.
- The OurJay Foundation has installed 330 defibrillators across the UK.
Naomi Rees-Issitt, a mother from Rugby, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her significant efforts in promoting defibrillator awareness and accessibility. This recognition comes after a personal tragedy propelled her into advocacy.
Her son, Jamie Rees, tragically passed away in 2001 after collapsing during a fireworks display due to cardiac arrest. He was tragically close to a defibrillator, but it was inaccessible. This devastating event spurred Naomi to campaign for immediate access to these devices.
Initially, Naomi and her son Callum raised £3,000 overnight to install a defibrillator outside Jamie's former school. By March 2020, they had raised £12,000 and installed three defibrillators. The OurJay Foundation, established in Jamie's memory, gained charitable status in October 2022 and has since installed 330 defibrillators across the UK.
The foundation has also provided 200 portable defibrillators to various organizations. Naomi's campaigning has led to Home Office funding for defibrillators in police vehicles, a significant step toward ensuring faster response times during cardiac emergencies. She hopes this will prevent future tragedies like Jamie's.
Naomi finds pride in the lives saved and the increased awareness surrounding defibrillator use. While the award does not alleviate her grief, it highlights Jamie's enduring impact and the positive change her family has created. Jamie's organs also successfully saved five lives, including a young girl who has celebrated multiple Christmases thanks to his donation.
