A BUTCHER has had a defibrillator fitted outside his business in Prestatyn.

Nick Bickerstaff, of Prestatyn Butchers, and his wife Kathryn, NHS staff nurse, decided to install the life saving equipment after what happened to Christian Eriksen; the Denmark midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest during the game against Finland at Euro 2020 on June 12.

Nick said: “The idea came along from the unfortunate accident at the Euro's football- this led me to believe how anything can happen to anyone athletic or not - so I made enquiries as to where in Prestatyn we have defibrillator units. The one we have in place now at the shop is right in the centre of the high street within distance of them all to save time and give that extra chance if ever required.

“When making enquiries, a couple of friends gave me some links - one of which gave a £200 donation for buying the unit on a goodwill to the community being bought from a private small business.

“The unit in total, with this donation from Calon hearts of Cardiff, took the cost down to £1,375 - which to help save others is priceless and if it saves one person, it is completely paid for, The company have been great and will follow this up with some training for local businesses to be able to come along to so they can just see how the unit works and some basic CPR training as well.

“Furthermore a local company, after seeing my post on my business page, offered to fit the unit free of charge whilst complimenting us for what we have done for the high street to help save lives. I was taken aback and embraced his offer of kindness.

“Bebbington & Wilson electrical contractors, who already fit these units for the council, did a brilliant job and the director."

Mr Bickerstaff said the defibrillator is now logged onto the community defibrillator system and the ambulance service can see this as well as the public.

Nick said: “We now have five defibrillators in Prestatyn, to my knowledge. We have one in Boots on the retail park then the fire station, the Scala cinema, Prestatyn Butchers and in the memorial gardens at top of town. This now means that anyone whom requires assistance, if ever they should do, they will have a fighting chance.

“The unit unfortunately is under constant cctv operation in case of any unforeseen circumstances that have occurred to other units across the country in the past.

“We are proud to help out yet another donation to another community.”