A DEFIBRILLATOR has been installed outside Ysgol Emmanuel in Rhyl in memory of a hillwalking enthusiast who died after suffering a heart attack.

On April 5, 2020, Duncan Macauley, 53, fell ill during a walk and collapsed.

The emergency services were called and CPR commenced, but despite everyone’s best efforts Duncan, sadly passed away.

Contractors Paul Fairhurst and Nick Maxwell, who were friends of Duncan's, asked for it to be placed outside the school.

The defibrillator is for community use and could save someone's life.

According to the British Heart Foundation, in order to help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible.

For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce.

Rona Jones, Ysgol Emmanuel headteacher, said: “We are delighted to have been able to purchase and install this life-saving equipment.

“Thanks to Tomos Hughes BEM of the Welsh Ambulance Service who helped with the process of purchasing the machine, as well as E G Morris Electrical for installing it.”

Tributes paid to Duncan following his death can be found at: www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/18384242.justgiving-campaign-defibrillator-memory-rhyl-man.