A campaigning son aiming to get a dozen defibrillators installed in public places in memory of his mum has unveiled the first life-saving kit at the primary school his son attends.

Laurence Kidd, of Henniker Road, Ipswich, presented the defibrillator to pupils and teachers at Bramford CEVC Primary School, which his son Tristan attends, last Wednesday.

The school raised just under £1,300 in a ‘Have a Heart Day’ after Mr Kidd revealed his plans to raise £24,000 to buy and install 12 defibrillators. His mission comes after his mum Rosemary suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at a motorway service station last September and died a week later at the age of 64.

He believes her life could have been saved if a defibrillator was on site.

Mr Kidd, who is raising money through a series of fundraising events, said: “There is a real lack of knowledge about the importance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) so I decided to campaign to get them in as many places as possible. It feels great to get the first one at my local primary school. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me so far.”

Bramford CEVC Primary School headteacher Jon Eden said: “We were delighted to have the defibrillator installed at the school.”

Jonathan Needle, East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) community partnerships manager, Suffolk, said: “It is great so see someone like Laurence helping to raise awareness of the importance of AEDs and basic life support skills.”