ARE you thinking of holding an event or taking part in one to raise funds for a good cause?

Do you run a business in Gwent that is seeking to support a good cause in the area?

If so, the Argus is asking you to make that effort or contribution for Jack’s Appeal, which aims to raise money to supply all secondary schools in Gwent with a defibrillator.

These are small portable machines providing a potentially lifesaving shock as early intervention for someone suffering cardiac arrest. Just six out of more than 30 secondary schools in Gwent have one.

The appeal is named in memory of Jack Thomas, a pupil at Oakdale Comprehensive School, who was just 15 when he died two years ago after suddenly falling ill whilst watching rugby on TV.

His parents, Grant and June Thomas, have since raised more than £20,000 towards supporting heart screening in schools, and also want to equip all Gwent secondary schools with a defibrillator.

The Argus has joined forces with them to help achieve that goal – but we cannot do it without the generous help of our readers and businesses throughout the area.

Former Newport Gwent Dragons and Wales hooker Lloyd Burns, forced to give up the game two years ago following the discovery of a heart problem – and whose mum Katerene nearly died of a cardiac arrest several years ago – is among those backing the appeal, and Risca Community Comprehensive School pupils are organising fundraising events.

* Let us know about fundraising events for Jack’s Appeal by calling 01633 777252 or 777134.

Anyone wishing to make a simple donation to Jack’s Appeal, or donate proceeds from a fundraising event, may send cheques payable to cardiac charity Welsh Hearts, either to its headquarters at Temple Court, 13a Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HA, or to Newsdesk, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 3QN. Please mark the envelope ‘Jack Thomas defibs appeal’.