An update from the Sam Polledri Foundation to mark the four-year anniversary of Sam passing

Samuel Polledri suddenly and tragically passed away of a Cardiac Arrest at Millennium Square, on 26 February 2022, aged only 24. Taken far too soon, so loved and so missed every minute of every day. Sam was such a loving, kind and caring young man. He absolutely loved life, was so happy, loved his family, girlfriend and friends so much.

We (his family) created the Sam Polledri Foundation (through Great Western Air Ambulance Charity) with the aim of installing public access defibrillators in as many places as possible and have raised an incredible £256,300 so far and supported the installation of 80 public accessible defibrillators.

Sam’s legacy lives on in communities across Bristol and its surrounding areas where these devices have been installed. They are there to provide a chance to everyone who may have a cardiac arrest and to make sure they get their best chance of survival which Sam didn’t, as there were no publicly accessible defibrillators where he had his cardiac arrest. But now, there is.

“It’s been four unbelievably hard years without you son, I still can’t believe you’re not here, I still hope you will walk through the door with that beautiful smile and say I’m OK, I’m home, I’m safe. It was all just a bad dream...

You have kept us going Sam, we have 80 defibs up now all in your honour, all with your beautiful face on, we are making a difference to people’s lives because of you, and we will continue to endeavour to do so in your name. Hopefully, many families will be spared our devastation because of you, son.

Miss you and love you so, so much Sam xxx”
Louise Polledri

Every year, we host the Sam Polledri Charity Ball to fundraise for the installation of publicly accessible defibrillators. This year’s Ball will be held on 4 July 2026 at Ashton Gate Stadium. If you would like to donate towards this, you can sponsor a defib, pads or batteries, or offer raffle or auction prizes and vouchers, or donate towards his page: Great Western Air Ambulance Charity: Sam Polledri Foundation