Defibrillator donated to Mid Wales holiday park in memory of Shropshire man

A potentially life-saving defibrillator has been donated to a Mid Wales holiday park in tribute to a Shropshire man who loved spending time there.

Jo Sheridan offered to buy the defibrillator at the Gwynedd Holiday Park in Tywyn in memory of her partner Sir Bryan Baker, who passed away in November 2017.

Gwynedd and the neighbouring Glan-y-Don site are among the caravan parks owned by award-winning leisure company Salop Leisure raising money to buy defibrillators.

Jo, from Muxton, Telford, heard about the campaign and approached Jon and Michaela Freeman, the park managers, to tell them she would like to cover the cost as a tribute to Sir Bryan.

Jo said: “I saw an article in the local paper about how the holiday parks were holding fundraising events in order to purchase a defibrillator.

“We shared so many happy times together at Gwynedd Holiday Park for more than 20 years and I thought it would be beneficial to all those who spend time at the park and in the surrounding area.”

Park manager Jon added: “We had been planning to raise money for a defibrillators throughout the year, but Jo approached us to say that she would like to donate the money.

“It’s a lovely gesture, incredibly generous, and we have unveiled a plaque next to where the defibrillator has been installed to tell people it has been donated in loving memory of Sir Bryan Baker.

“The defibrillator is at the park in conjunction with the Welsh Ambulance Service. It will be on the register they have for the area, so if one is needed nearby they can come and collect it.

“It’s not just for the park as it’s also for the local community.

“Julie Starling of the Welsh Ambulance Trust has held training sessions to show people how to use the defibrillator.”

Defibrillators have been installed at two more holiday parks owned by Salop Leisure, Morben Isaf Holiday Park, near Machynlleth, and Llandanwg Holiday Park, close to Harlech, following fundraising activities.

Tony Bywater, the chairman of Salop Leisure, said the health and wellbeing of customers whilst holidaying on the parks was paramount.

“We want to do everything we can to look after the wellbeing of our customers whilst they are on holiday with us,” he added. “Customer research has told us that they like the comfort of having a defibrillator available on the park.”