On 11th August 2024, David Jones did as many of us do and headed out on his bike for a run up to the Owl's Nest in Llandovery. Whilst there, he suffered a heart attack. During his attack a number of people assisted him but during this help, it was established that the closest AED device was somewhere on a fire engine and wouldn't be accessible quickly if Dave's condition worsened.

After sitting with Dave for a few hours waiting for emergency services and repeatedly calling 999, we were told that the ambulance could be up to 8 hours away. It was then decided that we couldn't wait any longer and to transport him directly to the hospital by some of the ladies at "Ride Like A Girl". It was by pure chance that one of the girls had access to 4 wheels that day.

After breaking every speed limit to get him to hospital (we are still waiting for the fines to come in), Dave was then transferred to Swansea hospital where they confirmed his heart attack and fitted a stent.

All we thought was good, but nevertheless decided to launch a campaign to raise money to have an AED fitted at The Owls Nest. After speaking with Dave just before his surgery, he fully supported it and was excited to be able to get back on his feet and back to his bike.

Sadly, during the night of Saturday 18th August 2024, Dave passed away.

The news of Dave's passing hit many of the ladies that helped Dave on that day quite hard and it has been decided to push forward with the campaign in Dave's name with the support and backing of his partner and friends.

If having a Defib installed at the Owl's Nest saves just one life then it is worth every single penny.

Since the launch of the Dave's Defib campaign, we have been inundated with support and love, raising enough money not to just install one Defib but 5!! AED's have been installed already at The Owls Nest in Llandovery, Baffle Haus in Abergavenny and during March 2025, a further 3 are being installed at M&P Cardiff, The Whistlestop Cafe in Rhyl and HR4K in Hereford.

We don't plan on stopping just yet…

Instead, we have teamed up with the Make Your Mark charity who are working with us to develop and grow our campaign, now expanding not only across Wales but hopefully during 2025 into other parts of the UK.

We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of the biking community so far and ask that if you can, please donate a few pounds as every penny counts.

Due to volunteer electricians and discounted supplies from Calon Hearts, a fitted Defib costs us £1,200. We are well on our way to funding number 6, but want to go so much further if we can....

Thank you for all of your help...

Love the DD Team xx