On what would have been their late daughter’s 30th birthday this August, the Lally family from Rotherham is marking the milestone with hope, heart, and community.
The family is unveiling the 30th community-funded defibrillator in memory of Jessica Lally, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest in October 2021 aged 26.
What began as the family’s way of coping with unimaginable loss, the Jessica Lally Community Fund has brought not only awareness to cardiac health but tangible resources that are saving lives.
Jessica’s mum Joan had the idea after seeing a pitch-side CPR demonstration at New York Stadium during a Rotherham United match. She, her husband Mick, and Jessica’s siblings initially set a target of £3,000 to buy two defibrillators for the Kimberworth community where they live.
But thanks to the overwhelming response, the family have since raised over £45,000 which has enabled them to purchase 30 defibrillators. These have been installed across the wider region, from Thorpe Hesley and Greasbrough to Broom and Thrybergh and even Wortley and Sheffield Lane Top.
As of last December, the defibrillators had been called upon 164 times and used four times.
“We wanted Jessica’s legacy to be something that kept other families from going through what we did,” said Joan. “We never imagined we’d reach 30, but every defibrillator we install is another chance, another heartbeat, another hope.”
As guardians of the defibrillators, the Lally family are responsible for maintaining these life-saving devices. They need regular checks, along with new batteries and pads when they’re used.
The family are grateful to the many businesses and members of the public who have contributed to the project over the years, along with the support of fellow Rotherham charity Start-A-Heart 24:7.
From marathons and football tournaments to raffles and bonus balls, tradespeople installing the defibrillator cabinets for free or the public just showing up to events – it’s made all the difference.
“The community and friends and family have been such a willing support. Jessica was very popular and it shows with all the contributions we get year after year,” says Joan.
The 30th device will be installed at The Barley in Thorpe Hesley on Saturday 16th August at 7pm, where the Mayor of Rotherham will officially unveil it.
Afterwards, there will be by a big party in the Barley’s marquee filled with music, shared stories, and a lot of love to celebrate a young woman whose spirit continues to touch lives.
Jessica, who was a beautician, loved her clothes and makeup so her family have chosen a dress to impress theme.
Tickets are £15 each which includes a welcome drink, live music, a DJ and music bingo. You can buy tickets from The Barley, The Droppingwell or Bake N Butty at Kimberworth.
All 30 defibrillators are registered on The Circuit. Find one closest to where you live here. In cases of emergency, call 999 and you will be directed to the closest equipment.
