Thetford family fund-raise for defibrillator after father's 'shock' death

A family is hoping to raise money for a defibrillator after their father suddenly collapsed at a hotel on Christmas Eve.

Paul Warner from Lowestoft was staying at the Bell Hotel in Thetford and was visiting family over the Christmas period when he suddenly felt unwell.

Paul's 33-year-old son, Ashley Warner, said that the previous Christmas his father had been poorly in hospital with Covid for seven weeks and was hoping that 2021's festivities would be much better.

He said: "My dad was quite unwell with Covid and had had a rough Christmas the previous year. Ever since last January he said 'next Christmas I'm going to make it the best I can.'

"He'd booked a three night stay at the Bell Hotel which he absolutely loves. He had been in better health in recent months and it was such a shock."

Ashley went on to say that when his 55-year-old father arrived with his partner at the hotel he wasn't acting his usual self.

"Dad asked his partner if she could carry the bags up the stairs which he wouldn't usually do.

"He was out of breath and as he got up the stairs he said to her, 'can you get me a glass of water and open the window, I'm not feeling too good'.

"And almost like turning off the light he just collapsed on the bed and stopped breathing."

Staff at the hotel carried out basic first aid training and called an ambulance, but Paul later died.

Ashley believes that if a defibrillator was used, his dad may have stood a better chance.

The family is now hoping to raise £1,500 to purchase a defibrillator for the hotel and any extra funds raised will be used for more defibrillator battery packs and basic first aid and defibrillator training for staff.

The JustGiving page has already raised just over £1,200 and Ashley cannot believe the support his family has received.

"The more defibrillators that we can have in a small town in public areas such as hotels could be life saving. A small donation to this fund-raiser will go a long way."

Staff at the Bell Hotel are also hoping to raise £1,500, hosting a series of fund-raising events.

A table-top sale is set to take place at the hotel on February 26 from 12pm until 4pm.

Ashley thanks staff at the Bell Hotel for doing their very best to help his father and is grateful to all those who have donated thus far.

To donate to the family's JustGiving page, see here.