New vehicle to boost lifesaving work of Jay's Aim

Exeter Chiefs Foundation has given its support to a Devon-based charity that is trying to drive down the number of young people who suddenly die from undiagnosed heart conditions.

Jay’s Aim began in 2018 following the unexpected death of Jay Osborne from a fatal cardiac arrest caused by an undiagnosed inherited heart condition. Jay was just 28.

Jay’s family set up the charity to reduce the rate of sudden cardiac arrest among young people in the South West through training courses to schools, clubs and businesses, along with the provision of public access defibrillators and funding of cardiac screening.

Jay’s Aim is one of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation’s designated charities. These charities collect monies on match days in the Sandy Park stadium and car parks. Jay’s Aim received a cheque for £3,501 for their fundraising efforts last season but this total has recently received a boost.

Tony Rowe CBE, chairman and CEO of Exeter Chiefs Foundation, said: “Jay’s Aim has been involved with the Foundation for a few seasons now and no-one can but help admire the work they are doing to try to protect the lives of young people in the South West.

“When we heard they needed extra funding for a vehicle, the board of trustees agreed to top up their donation to £10,000 so they can continue to deliver the training that is so critical in helping someone survive cardiac arrest.”

Dan Osborne, one of Jay’s older brothers and charity manager of Jay’s Aim, said: “We are massively grateful for all the support the Exeter Chiefs Foundation has given us. This new van will enable us to transport all our training equipment to our CPR and defib sessions, as well as allowing us to deliver our community public access defibrillators to venues across the South West.”

Jay’s Aim is one nearly 120 charities that have benefited from grants totalling £3 million during the last five seasons. Exeter Chiefs Foundation is dedicated to supporting good causes in the wider Exeter area.