In December 2012, I was Christmas shopping with my parents in Norwich when my 56 year old dad suddenly collapsed. He was having a cardiac arrest and within an hour he was gone.

I learned afterwards that there had been no publicly accessible defibrillator nearby and the one which was used on my dad came from the local police station, which took precious time to reach him. I also learned a shocking fact : if someone has a cardiac arrest and receives CPR their survival rate is 9%. If they receive treatment from a defibrillator and shockable rhythm their chance increases to 60%. Had there been an easily accessible 24-hour defibrillator in Norwich city centre my dad may still be here.

I want everyone to be aware of the importance of having easily accessible defibrillators in public places. In February which is heart awareness month, I’ve given myself the challenge to walk 100miles. Money raised will go to Heart 2 heart Norfolk. It would be great to place another 24hr defibrillator on the streets.