Foyle MP Mark Durkan and Mark King (from the OK Foundation) at Westminster campaigning to get defibrillators in every school.
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan is supporting a campaign at Westminster to see the law changed and it mandatory for every school in the to have defibrillators – including in Derry and throughout the North.
Mr Durkan is backing the OK Foundation which was set up by Liverpool campaigner Mark King in memory of his late son Oliver, who died in March 2011 when his heart stopped while he was swimming at King David High in Childwall.
Mr Durkan said: “I am delighted to support the call for a new lifesaving defibrillator law – and this important campaign which would see all schools, sports clubs and public service buildings have defibrillators as part of their first aid kits.
“These devices really can make the difference between life and death and just as we wouldn’t allow a school to be without life-saving equipment such as Fire Extinguishers we shouldn’t allow them to be without defibrillators.
“We are now at a point where there are government subsidies or discounted provision for this vital equipment in more schools in England – and this is something which should also be happening here in the North.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “I commend Mark King who is now looking forward to visiting Northern Ireland to continue with his tireless campaigning work – as well as CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) who have been very active locally on this issue.”
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