The death of a highly respected and loved ambulance clinician, Ryan O’Bray in July 2024 has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, but his memory is now inspiring a campaign that aims to save lives.

The 28-year-old Associate Ambulance Practitioner, known for his kindness and selflessness, worked at the Trust’s Sheppey Ambulance Station for seven years.

Ryan’s death has spurred a powerful community response, as his parents, Lisa and Rob O’Bray, alongside his Sheppey colleagues and friends, rallied to raise funds for vital defibrillators and first aid training in the local community.

The initiative, named ‘Ryan’s Legacy’, aims to raise funds to purchase life-saving defibrillators and deliver essential first aid training for the local Sheppey community, empowering residents to act confidently and effectively during emergencies. Already, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than £5,000, with donations continuing to come in.

The initiative reflects the compassion and kindness that Ryan was known for, always the first to lend a hand and support others.

This campaign, which arrives during Men’s Health Month, is a timely reminder of the importance of breaking the silence around health issues, particularly for men. Ryan’s memory is now sparking crucial conversations about the importance of support networks and the courage to speak up about health and well-being.

“Although we were unable to save him, we hope to equip our community with the tools and knowledge to respond in emergencies, sparing other families from experiencing the same heartbreak,” Lisa and Rob shared. “Our goal is to transform our grief into a force for good, creating a lasting impact in Ryan’s memory.”

Ryan’s family attended the Trust’s Kent awards ceremony on Thursday, 7 November. During the ceremony, they presented Operations Manager, Alex Brownlow and his team with the “Demonstrating Kindness” award in honour of Ryan, recognising their compassion and empathy in supporting the family through this difficult time.

The family expressed immense gratitude to Alex, saying, “The support for us was overwhelming. You could feel the empathy for our whole family. Alex and his team remained totally professional from the day we lost Ryan up to this very moment.”

Through fundraising, they hope to secure vital defibrillators for Sheppey and organise first aid training sessions that empower residents to act swiftly and confidently when every second counts. Each training session, every defibrillator, and all future lives saved will stand as a testament to Ryan’s caring spirit and the legacy of kindness he left behind.

The Trust stands with Ryan’s family and colleagues in turning his legacy into positive change, breaking the silence around men’s health and creating a brighter future in his memory.