Cornish schoolboy who suffered cardiac arrest to hold fundraising event for Cornwall Air Ambulance

A 13-year-old boy who suffered a cardiac arrest at school is holding a thank you fundraising event for Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Finlay Richards suffered the attack due to a previously unknown heart condition while at Penrice Academy, in St Austell, two weeks before Christmas in December 2021.

Due to the quick actions of staff, his life was saved thanks to the school’s defibrillator – which brought him extra time for emergency services to arrive on scene.

Cornwall Air Ambulance critical care paramedics Thomas Hennessy Jones and Louise Lamble were tasked to the incident. Finlay was conveyed by land ambulance to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for further care. There it was found that he has a genetic condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Since his medical episode, Finlay has had a cardio implant fitted. Now over 12 months on, he is still limited with PE and contact sports at school, but is doing well.

The family have decided to hold a special event as a thank you to the crew and your charity for their help on the day of his incident. ‘Finlay’s Fundraiser’ is taking place at St Blazey Football Club on Saturday 11^th March at 7.30pm.

The night will involve entertainment from Pirate FM presenter and comedian Johnny Cowling, along with a pasty supper, and a raffle with some amazing prizes.

Finlay’s mum, Donna Richards, said: “Basically we wanted to do something to thank them for all that they’ve done for us. We don’t know what the future holds, or if they’ll need to come again or not, so we wanted to do something nice and to give back.

“You know Cornwall Air Ambulance is there, but you never think that you’re going to need it. But it’s a charity and it needs fundraising for.”

Tickets for Finlay’s Fundraiser have already sold out and all proceeds will be going to Cornwall Air Ambulance.

The family are hoping to raise around £2,000 in total.

Be the difference – when time is everything. You can support Cornwall Air Ambulance here: Donate – Cornwall Air Ambulance (cornwallairambulancetrust.org)