In 2016, we made the decision to support a very special cause and in October 2019, we helped them mark a momentous occasion.
The Connor Saunders Foundation works hand in hand with schools and local communities to help keep Sussex safe. Their mission is to prevent violence and promote peace.
In doing so, they gift defibrillators to schools, colleges and community services to ensure that students and users are ‘heart safe’.
The Foundation was set up after 19-year-old Connor Saunders from Brighton, was tragically killed by just one punch. The Saunders family created the Foundation in Connor’s name in 2012.
His legacy encourages people to use their hands to help and not to hurt. They visit schools and teach pupils through anti-violence workshops, provide first aid training and gift defibrillators to schools and clubs.
Our partnership
In 2017 – Rockinghorse’s 50th anniversary year – we donated an incredible £50,000 to The Connor Saunders Foundation. Our funding has been helping to place defibrillators in schools across Sussex. Together, we are reaching more and more people in the community who, one day, may need to rely on this equipment.
Having access to a defibrillator can be potentially lifesaving. We believe it is so important for schools to not only have access to a defibrillator, but to also learn how to use it. Through their first aid training programmes and workshops, The Connor Saunders Foundations is making an impact.
12 young people die from sudden cardiac arrest every week. Of these children, 270 will die at school, with 80% having had no previous symptoms. The Foundation campaigns to make schools as ‘heart safe’ as they can be.
Since our partnership began, we have funded 60 defibrillators for the Foundation. This October, we joined Connor’s mum, Darran Saunders, and his sister, Courtney Saunders, at Upper Beeding Primary School in West Sussex (pictured above).
The day marked a milestone achievement for them as they presented their 100th defibrillator. It is truly outstanding what they have achieved and should be deservedly applauded.
The Foundation continues to create a wonderful legacy for Connor, and we are so proud to be part of their journey.
