Thornhill Community Academy has celebrated a major milestone, its fifth year of participating in Restart a Heart Day, a national initiative aimed at teaching young people vital CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) skills.
Organised in collaboration with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), the event continues to grow each year, empowering students with the confidence and competence to respond in life-threatening situations. The partnership reflects the Academy’s commitment to student well-being and to creating a culture of care and community responsibility.
This year’s event brought together Academy staff, YAS volunteers, and students for a day of practical CPR training sessions. Hundreds of pupils took part in the hands-on activities, learning how to perform CPR and use defibrillators correctly under expert guidance.
The Academy extended heartfelt thanks to long-standing YAS volunteers Imran Patel and Michelle Llewelyn, who have supported the event every year since it began. Their dedication has not only helped save lives but also strengthened ties between the school and the local community.
Imran Patel said: “Coming to this school every year is something I look forward to. Watching the students engage and grow in confidence is amazing, it’s one of the reasons I chose this school for my own children.”
Michelle Llewelyn added: “This is about more than just CPR; it’s about building a connection with the next generation. I’m proud to be a part of it every year.”
This year’s training day also welcomed back Nathan Hoyle, a former Thornhill student now volunteering with YAS. Returning to his old school to teach CPR, he described it as “a full-circle moment” and said: “It feels great to give back to a place that gave me so much.”
The Academy also thanked volunteers Humera and Arfan, who have now taken part for three consecutive years. Their continued support reflects the strong partnerships and shared commitment that underpin the initiative.
Each year, the event is coordinated by Science Teacher Mrs Surraya Patel, whose enthusiasm and leadership have been key to its success. She said: “As teachers, we see beyond the classroom. Our role is to better the lives of our students in every way we can. Restart a Heart Day gives us the chance to do exactly that. Teaching CPR gives students a real sense of purpose and it could one day mean the difference between life and death. This is one of the most important things we do all year.”
Thornhill Community Academy’s involvement in Restart a Heart Day highlights the importance of community education and practical life skills, ensuring students are equipped not just academically, but emotionally and socially to make a difference in their communities.
