In memory of Kath

10:42am Saturday 5th July 2008

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AN army of schoolchildren in fancy dress marched through the centre of York in memory of a much-missed classroom assistant.

About 250 pupils ranging in age from four to 11, and staff from Park Grove School in York went on a sponsored walk yesterday to raise funds which will go towards installing a defibrillator at the top of York Minster’s central tower.

Money raised will also go to create a memorial at the school to Kath Luck, a teaching assistant and senior midday supervisor at the school, who died of a heart attack in April.

The school decided to raise funds for medical equipment in memory of Kath earlier this year, and contacted the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) for advice on what would be of use in the York area. A defibrillator for the Minster tower was suggested following the airlift of a visitor from the tower on the April 25. The machine is used to treat a cardiac arrest within the crucial first few minutes and can save lives. Andrew Calverley, the school’s head teacher, who dressed as Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant, said: “Kath was first taken ill in school, and when the ambulance was called out the team said they wouldn’t have revived her if they hadn’t had a defibrillator.

“When she was in hospital we told her we would raise money to try and buy one of the machines, and after her death the school council and the PTA decided that we should go ahead with the idea.

“Kath was somebody who was great at her job and was really a larger than life character.

“She is greatly missed by the staff and pupils at the school, and we decided to dress up because Kath loved dressing up – whenever there was a dress-up day at school, Kath would really get into the spirit.”

All the pupils from the school, along with the YAS’s community defibrillator officer, Neil Marsay, walked from Park Grove, along the city walls, under Bootham Bar and past the Minster in fancy dress yesterday.

The school aims to raise £1,600 for the defibrillator, and more money for a memorial made of wood to go erected in the school grounds. The YAS will be training members of Minster staff to use the equipment as part of the ambulance service community first responders scheme.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Parkm Gorve’s fund should phone the school 01904 659727.

Kieron Learoyd, health and safety manager at York Minster, said: “Tens of thousands of visitors climb up the Minster’s central tower each year and although it’s very rewarding it is hard work too.

“We do our best to help people make sure they are confident of their fitness before they start up the 275 steps, but it will be very good to have this potentially lifesaving equipment at the top as well as the first aider who is always on duty.”