Jack’s Story | AEDdonate

Sudden cardiac arrest really can happen to anyone…

On what started as a normal Saturday afternoon, Jack Hurley was doing what he loved most – playing football with his mates. The match was filled with laughter, energy, and camaraderie. But just minutes into the game, everything changed. Jack collapsed on the pitch without warning.

He was just 50 yards away from an AEDdonate Community Public Access Defibrillator. As teammates rushed to his side and dialed 999, the code was passed, and the defibrillator was quickly brought to him. CPR was started immediately, and the AED delivered a life-saving shock.

Jack was airlifted to hospital and placed into an induced coma. On Tuesday, he began to regain consciousness. By Friday – just six days after his cardiac arrest – Jack had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted, a device that now monitors his heart around the clock.

“I don’t remember much about what happened. I only know that a player from the opposition recognised what was happening, and my team-mates used a defibrillator to restart my heart. I was incredibly lucky my coach had installed one in the clubhouse. Without it, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Jack Hurley, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor

A New Chapter Begins

Since that day, Jack has approached life with a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose. He knows firsthand how vital public access defibrillators are – not just in saving lives, but in giving people like him a second chance.

Now, Jack is an ambassador for AEDdonate. He shares his story to raise awareness and encourage communities to fund and install defibrillators. He speaks not for himself, but for the countless people whose lives could one day depend on quick action and the right equipment.

A Voice for Change

Jack is also campaigning for the removal of VAT on defibrillators. He believes cost should never be a barrier to saving lives. By making AEDs more affordable, Jack hopes to see more of them in parks, sports grounds, and high streets — where they’re needed most.

“I never imagined something like this could happen to me. I’m here today because there was a defibrillator nearby — and because people acted fast.”

Jack isn’t just a survivor. He’s a dedicated supporter, a voice for change, and a powerful reminder that what we do at AEDdonate truly matters – every second, every heartbeat.

AEDdonate Exists to Save Lives Like Jack’s

Whether it’s a village, workplace, sports club, school or even your local telephone box, AEDdonate is here to help protect your community.

We offer a complete service to fund, install and maintain defibrillators, making sure no one is left without help when it matters most.

Your support helps place life-saving defibrillators where they’re needed – giving more people like Jack a second chance at life.

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