A new public access defibrillator funded by Hargreaves Lansdown has been installed at City of Bristol College’s College Green Centre in memory of Sam Polledri, who tragically died following a cardiac arrest on 26 February 2022, in Millennium Square, aged just 24.
Sam’s family have since established The Sam Polledri Foundation through the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). The foundation’s initiative is to boost the number of easily accessible defibrillators in public spaces, with the hope that these installations will save lives in Bristol and beyond.
The installation at City of Bristol College marks the 21st defibrillator placed by the foundation. The defibrillator was installed by the college’s contractors, Oakland, who provided their services free of charge.
A commemorative plaque dedicated to Sam’s life accompanies the life-saving equipment. Sam, described by loved ones as “a loving, kind and caring young man” who “absolutely loved life and everyone”, has left a lasting legacy. His family continues to honour his memory by working to prevent similar tragedies, ensuring that others have access to vital medical resources.
Sam’s loved ones reflect on his life with the words: “Taken far too soon, so loved and so missed, every minute of every day.”
To support The Sam Polledri Foundation, donations can be made via the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity here.
