A CHARITY set up in the memory of an Otley woman who died after a sudden brain bleed is funding first aid training in all the town's primary schools.
The Sarah Jackson Community Wish organisation was set up in the wake of Sarah's death. She received prompt first aid following the incident in August 2023, which allowed her family to have precious final moments with her.
Now the foundation is giving back to the community in the form of first aid training which will ensure that hundreds of children in Otley are given vital life-saving skills.
The programme has been announced to coincide with Restart A Heart Day on October 16. Earlier this year, the group also donated £600 to Public Access Defibrillators, ensuring the replacement of six expired defib pads in Otley.
A spokesperson for the group said: "The Sarah Jackson Community Wish has been established in memory of Sarah Jackson, a beloved member of the Otley community, following her tragic passing.
"Sarah suffered a sudden brain bleed whilst working, and it was the prompt first aid she received on that day that gave her family the precious few days they had with her in the hospital to say goodbye.
"In her honour, the Wish is dedicated to giving back to the community and ensuring that Otley’s children have these essential First Aid skills is a cause very close to their hearts."
In a statement, Sarah's family said: “The invaluable first aid Sarah received ensured she arrived at the hospital alive, giving her a chance.
"Although nothing could be done to save her, it meant her organs were in suitable condition for donation, allowing her wishes to be fulfilled. Without that first aid, those recipients wouldn’t have been able to receive her organs. We hope that this initiative will help save lives and offer other families the same chance.”
The response from Otley’s primary schools has been overwhelming, said the group, with all schools signing up for the training, the cost of which will be covered by the Wish.
The training will be delivered by PACO First Aid, a trusted local provider. The local schools benefitting from this initiative include All Saints C of E School, The Whartons, Westgate Primary, St Joseph’s, and Ashfield Primary.
Mrs Luisa Di-Palma Heath, head teacher of Otley All Saints C of E School, said: "During our staff first aid training after the summer holidays, I suggested how invaluable it would be to have our pupils trained in First Aid.
"The timing of this offer from the Sarah Jackson Community Wish is truly remarkable, and we’re absolutely delighted to be part of it."
Local Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) have also expressed their deep gratitude for this initiative.
"They’ve recognised the value in offering first aid training to children at such a young age and believe it could have a long-lasting positive impact on the young people and community," said the Community Wish spokesperson.
Sarah’s family was recently invited by Harrogate Hospital for the unveiling of Sarah’s picture, honouring her life and her ultimate gift of organ donation, through which she saved three lives. This was timed to coincide with Organ Donation Week, which took place from September, 23-29 and it was, said the family, "a beautiful reminder of the legacy Sarah left behind".
Sarah’s family and the Community Wish have worked hard to support the people of Otley in her name, and thanks to the incredible support from donors, fundraisers, and the wider community, initiatives like this first aid training have become a reality.
"The Wish is proud to support Otley’s future generations, and as far as we’re concerned, this is money well spent," said the spokesperson.
For more information about the Sarah Jackson Community Wish and the impact it is having on the Otley community, visit sarahjacksoncommunitywish.co.uk/
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