Public Access Defibrillator Installed at KGS

Local charity RALPHH (Robert Allen Life Promotion and Healthy Hearts Trust), in collaboration with Kingston Grammar School, has today unveiled an automated external defibrillator (AED) which has been installed on the rear of the School’s Fairfield building.

RALPHH was established in memory of Robert Allen, a former student at Kingston Grammar School and a talented rower who sadly died, unexpectantly from an undiagnosed heart condition.

Robert left KGS in 2001 and, after graduating from university, returned to volunteer with the Christian Union and spend time coaching his beloved rowing. As a registered charity, RALPHH exists to commemorate his life by providing grants to schools and sports clubs in England and Wales so that they can purchase life-saving defibrillator equipment.

Having already provided AEDs at schools and colleges at five UK locations, and with a partnership in East Anglia planned for early spring, today’s installation of an AED at KGS marks the first of its type in the Kingston area, where the charity is based. It will be a public access device and will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For anyone faced with using a defibrillator, it is reassuring to know that clear, spoken instructions are given as soon as the machine is operated. For further information on defibrillators, see Defibrillation | Resuscitation Council UK.

RALPHH also plans for a programme of ECG testing for young people planned for the near future.

Head Master Stephen Lehec said: “We are delighted to honour Robert’s memory today by playing our part in the placement of this AED at his old school. It will be a boost to safety in the area, including for those involved in the many matches that are played on the Fairfield recreation fields. Whilst Robert’s premature death was an absolute tragedy, the work that has subsequently gone on in his name is hugely worthwhile and meaningful.”

The Head Master and staff from KGS were joined by Robert’s parents, Richard (OK 1967) and Jane, and by his brother Laurence (OK 2002), trustees of the charity and representatives from VM Ware, Robert’s former employer.