Here at Pure Staff, we are deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve. It is with great pride that we announce our recent donation of £1,500 to the OurJay Foundation, a remarkable local charity dedicated to placing publicly accessible defibrillators across Warwickshire.
The story behind the OurJay Foundation is one of unimaginable loss, but also of incredible strength and determination. It was born from a tragedy that highlighted a critical gap in emergency medical access—a gap that its founder, Naomi Rees-Issitt, is working tirelessly to close, one life-saving device at a time.
On New Year’s Day in 2022, Naomi’s 18-year-old son, Jamie Rees, collapsed after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. His friends administered CPR while they waited for help, but the situation was compounded by devastating delays. An ambulance took over 17 minutes to arrive, and a nearby defibrillator—a device that could have restarted his heart—was locked inside a school, completely inaccessible.
Driven by her grief and a fierce determination to prevent other families from enduring the same fate, Naomi established the OurJay Foundation in Jamie’s memory. We are incredibly inspired by their mission and are honoured to contribute to their cause.
About the OurJay Foundation
The “Our Jay” Foundation is a charity with a clear and vital goal: to ensure that no matter where you are, a defibrillator is always readily accessible. Founded by Naomi Rees-Issitt, the foundation serves as a lasting legacy for her son, Jamie, channelling her family’s grief into positive, life-saving action.
The foundation raises funds to purchase and install defibrillators in public spaces, housed in unlocked, heated cabinets, making them available 24/7. They are also aiming to expand all over the country. Their work has already had a tremendous impact. Last week, Naomi celebrated the installation of the 100th device in Rugby—a monumental achievement.
Recognised for her incredible efforts with a BBC Make A Difference award, Naomi’s work gives her family “something to focus on.” Her next goal is even more ambitious: to install another 200 defibrillators before the end of 2024.
How You Can Support the OurJay Foundation
The OurJay Foundation relies on community support to fund its life-saving work. The cost of one defibrillator and a secure, heated cabinet is significant, and every contribution makes a difference. If you have been moved by Jamie’s story and want to help, here is how you can get involved:
- Donate Directly: The most direct way to help is by making a financial contribution. You can donate safely and securely through their official website: https://www.ourjay.org.uk/
- Fundraise: Consider organising a fundraising event at your workplace, school, or in your community. From bake sales to sponsored runs, every effort helps raise both funds and awareness.
- Spread the Word: Follow and share their story on social media. Raising awareness of the importance of accessible defibrillators is a crucial part of their mission.
- Learn Life-Saving Skills: Take a moment to learn CPR and find out where your nearest public defibrillator is located. You never know when these skills could save a life.
About Pure Staff
Pure Staff is a leading, independent recruitment agency based in the Midlands, specialising in the Driving, Industrial, Commercial, and Technical sectors. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to connecting talented candidates with top employers across the region. However, our commitment extends beyond the workplace. We believe in being an active, positive force in our local communities, supporting charitable causes and initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives. This donation is a reflection of our core values and our dedication to the well-being of the communities we call home.
We will continue to watch and support the incredible progress of the OurJay Foundation. Their work is a powerful reminder that even in the face of tragedy, a community can come together to create a legacy of hope and save lives.
