A family whose son’s life was saved by a defibrillator has sponsored a life-saving device for a Kings Langley business park.

The charity Wayne’s Fund and founder Glynn Pope donated their 98th defibrillator to the Happy Valley Industrial Estate on January 5.

Japex Automotive co-owner Ross Hateley, 43, received the donation with his children Lawson, 7, and Lyla, 11. 

Ross helped fund the defibrillator after a device donated by the charity saved his son's life in 2020 when his heart stopped suddenly at Abbots Langley Primary School.

He said: “It means peace of mind having the defibrillator around now and I think it’s something everyone should have."

Watford Observer: It was the 98th device donated by the charity in 18 years.It was the 98th device donated by the charity in 18 years. (Image: Wayne's Fund)

Glynn set up the charity 18 years ago after his brother, Wayne, died of a sudden cardiac arrest just after his 30th birthday.

A total of 98 defibrillators have since been donated to local schools, community hubs and pubs in his memory. 

Watford Observer: Ross' son later raised £3,000 for two defibrillators in 2022 on a charity bike ride. Ross' son later raised £3,000 for two defibrillators in 2022 on a charity bike ride. (Image: Ross Hateley)

Glynn said: “When we started 18 years ago, we never even thought we would get to 10 donations.”

He recently donated the 97th device to the New Hope homeless centre in Watford before Christmas and hopes to reach the 100th donation milestone within six weeks.