Bongo's Bingo Charity of the Month

The Oliver King Foundation

Jan. 11, 2024

Bongo's Bingo are immensely proud to be supporting the incredible work of the Oliver King Foundation.

The organisation was established in January 2012 following the tragic passing of 12-year-old Oliver King. Oliver's untimely death was caused by Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, a concealed heart condition that claims the lives of 12 young individuals every week. Oliver was a student at King David High School in Liverpool and experienced a cardiac arrest during a swimming race. Shockingly, approximately 270 children lose their lives each year to this condition.

Unfortunately, the absence of a readily available defibrillator in the vicinity prevented the completion of the chain of survival, as an electric shock to Oliver's heart could have been crucial. If a defibrillator had been used promptly, there might have been a chance for Oliver to survive this hidden condition that can strike unexpectedly. It is disheartening to note that in the UK alone, 12 young people under the age of 35 succumb to Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome every week, regardless of their fitness or overall health.

 

Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Mark King, Oliver's father, the Foundation has achieved a significant milestone by installing over 6,200 defibrillators. Mark personally delivered these life-saving devices to various institutions nationwide. In addition, the Foundation has conducted more than 135,000 defibrillator training sessions, empowering individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilise these life-saving devices. As a result of their remarkable endeavours, over 71 lives have been saved. During the entirety of their journey The Oliver King Foundation has remained resolute in its mission and continued its efforts until every school in the UK is equipped with a defibrillator. 

 

 

The Oliver King Foundation has achieved a significant milestone by successfully advocating for the installation of life-saving defibrillators in every school across the United Kingdom. This national campaign was launched in 2018, with the goal of accomplishing this objective by 2020, in honour of the year Oliver would have turned 21. However, due to various challenges such as Brexit, two elections, and the Covid-19 pandemic, their progress was unfortunately hindered. Nevertheless, they persevered and garnered the support of numerous cross-party Members of Parliament. Through debates held in Parliament, the Foundation successfully convinced the Department of Education to recommend that all schools include defibrillators as part of their first aid equipment.

In March 2022, after a productive meeting with the Secretary for Education Nadhim Zahawi, Lord Pollock, and Jamie Carragher, the Foundation achieved a significant breakthrough. Legislation was changed to ensure that defibrillators will be made available in every state school, with the implementation set to take place within the next year. The Oliver King Foundation has fought tirelessly for this cause over the past decade, demonstrating unwavering determination. Mark King, overwhelmed by the monumental success of the campaign, acknowledges that while he cannot bring back his beloved son Oliver, he can ensure that no other family experiences the same heartbreak his family endured.

 

 

The Foundation has reached its current position today thanks to the generous support of numerous volunteers throughout the years. They are always looking for people to help whether that is by organising your own fundraising event, with the backing of their support or volunteering for the charity directly. 

They are looking for your help and support so they can build upon the immense success and continue to save lives. Your assistance and support are crucial in enabling them to further expand their remarkable achievements and continue saving lives. 

82 people will suffer a sudden cardiac arrest today. 

Only 8 will survive. 

Defibrillator training is vital.

Access to a lifesaving defibrillator is vital.

 

 

To offer your support and obtain additional information about The Oliver King Foundation, please visit: https://theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk/