Angela Rayner MP has joined the campaign to save lives by becoming a Defibrillator Champion.

Every single year in the UK, 30,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. Sadly, just less than 1-in-10 survive.

Now Angela Rayner, MP says: “It’s time to take action”.

As part of European Restart a Heart Day Angela visited The Oliver King Foundation at their launch event to show support.

The Oliver King Foundation was set up following the tragic death of 12-year-old Oliver King from a sudden cardiac arrest, which kills 12 young people every single week. Oliver was winning a swimming race at school when tragedy struck.

In 2012, footballer Fabrice Muamba was shocked 16 times by a lifesaving defibrillator in front of the nation.

Early access to a defibrillator is vital. For every minute that passes, chances of survival drop by 10%.

Signing up to become a Defibrillator Champion for her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, Angela Rayner MP said: “I am proud to become a lifesaving Defibrillator Champion for Ashton, Droylsden and Failsworth.

“It is vital that we take action to prevent any loss of life where one can be saved. I will be working with local schools in my constituency to fundraise and get lifesaving defibrillators in our area, protecting our students, teachers and visitors whilst at school.

“It was interesting to hear from the Oliver King Foundation about how many lives have been saved, including a caretaker at a school who had only received the defibrillator two weeks earlier.

“I will be delighted to work as a Defibrillator Champion, saving lives is a legacy that we can all be proud of.”

Jake Morrison, Chief Executive of The Oliver King Foundation said: “We are delighted that Angela has signed up as a Defibrillator Champion. It is important that we spread awareness of the vital need for this equipment in our communities. Our Members of Parliament have a great platform and connection in their constituencies to spread this message.

We look forward to working with Angela and saving lives for years to come.”

Mark King, father of 12-year-old Oliver King who died from a sudden cardiac arrest said: “5 years ago when my son Oliver passed away from this hidden heart condition, we didn’t know that his legacy would reach this far. We are determined to save as many young lives as possible, so that no other family has to suffer a similar loss to that of ours.”