Councillor Clarence Barrett, our Dad, tirelessly devoted his time and energy to the wider community through his work as a councillor, colleague, friend and family man. He did so much to help others and he achieved so much. He abseiled, skydived and ran marathons for numerous charities, as well as performing above and beyond his duty as a councillor. He was a kind, caring and selfless man in everything he did.

Our Dad went into a cardiac arrest in Havering Town Hall on the 15th February. We are so thankful that immediately after our Dad collapsed, four members of staff at the Town Hall were able to perform effective CPR and to use a Defibrillator on him, meaning that after a remarkable 56 minutes he was able to regain consciousness briefly. The Ambulance crew consequently took him to St Bart’s Hospital where he spent two weeks fighting. Our Dad was so strong and fought so hard, however, exactly two weeks after collapsing Clarence sadly passed away.

Although our Dad did not make it back home, we are still so grateful. He received outstanding care and treatment from the medical team at Bart’s and from the Ambulance service on the day, but without the quick reactions and invaluable efforts of the Havering Staff who worked to save his life none of that would have been possible. Their efforts enabled us, his friends and family, to spend precious time with him before he passed away, which we would otherwise not have had.

The tragic circumstances around our Dad’s death have impressed upon us the importance of having quick and easy access to Defibrillators in public areas in a time of crisis. We feel everyone should have access to a Defibrillator given that it is able to perform such vital work. In our case it gave us valuable time with our Dad, and for others it has saved their lives. We know that Dad would be passionate about raising money for this cause, and so, we will be using this Just Giving page to get Public Access Defibrillators in the Upminster and Cranham wards in memory of our Dad, Councillor Clarence Barrett. This will be done in various ways, by his Friends and Family. Any Donation is appreciated.

And yes, we are very sure our Dad would be proud of us right now, following in his footsteps by doing something practical to help the local community and setting up this Just Giving Page!