A BUS driver from Cadbury Heath has achieved his aim of installing lifesaving equipment in the city centre in memory of a colleague.
Carlos Santos attended the unveiling of the defibrillator outside Turtle Bay on Broad Quay – then learned that it was put into use within 12 hours.
As reported in the Voice in March, Carlos raised the money for the defibrillator as a tribute to his friend Richard Dewdney, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the location.
Carlos, whose wife and 23-year-old son are also First Bus drivers in Bristol, also set up BristolResus4All – a not-for-profit organisation established to fundraise for more defibrillators in the city and ensure the current network of devices are properly maintained and available to the public.
His aim is to ensure that no matter where you are in Bristol, you are no more than three minutes return walk away from a publicly accessible defibrillator.
He urges people to contact BristolResus4All if any devices are ‘out of service’ or if they wish to install a defibrillator.
Richard’s son, also called Richard, paid tribute to his dad and thanked Carlos and First Bus.
He said: “My Dad was the type of person that once you met him you would never forget him, he loved his family with all of his heart and soul.
“I’m sure he would have been very pleased that the fundraising by Carlos has been a success, and if it prevents another family feeling the heartache that my family has felt, then, although bittersweet, Carlos’s efforts are very much appreciated.”
More information about BristolResus4All, which works with other organisations including Great Western Air Ambulance, Avon and Somerset Police and Defibs4Bristol, can be found on its Facebook page, and donations can be made on its JustGiving page.