Butcher saves life of pensioner after he collapses in street

AFTER the death of his brother four years ago, Jay Marks did not hesitate to step in and do what he could to save the life of a pensioner whose heart had stopped.

Heroic Jay rushed to the aid of Reginald Bayliss when the 76-year-old collapsed outside the Nisa newsagents in Cirencester Road.

Jay, who works at Jefferies butchers opposite, found no life signs.

Instinct took over and he started resuscitation techniques that he had learned years earlier as a Legionnaire.

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The Prestbury dad-of-two managed to keep the pensioner alive until paramedics arrived.

After his collapse on September 12, Reginald – known by his middle name Percy – spent 90 days in hospital.

Reunited with Jay for the first time on Tuesday, Percy, from Maple Drive, said: "It was wonderful to meet him.

"I'm very grateful to him as really he was instrumental in saving my life."

But Jay, 37, said anyone would have done the same

He added: "It was an mazing feeling when I heard he had survived because his family have still got him."

Jay knows resuscitation skills can make the difference between life and death.

Tuesday marked the four year anniversary of the death of his brother Steven Beacham.

The 37-year-old from Cheltenham died in 2009 after he choked.

Jay has always believed he could have been saved.

He said: "It's horrendous when you lose someone and you think something could have been done."

Now both have said the remarkable story highlights the need for more portable defibrillators to be installed in public places.

Jay added: "There also needs to be a hell of a lot more awareness of CPR.

"It should be taught in schools."

Percy already had a pacemaker but it failed to restart his heart.

He has now had a single bypass and valve replacement and had an implantable defibrillator fitted.

He praised the paramedics from Great Western Ambulance Service and hospital staff at Cheltenham General, Bristol Heart Institute and Gloucestershire Royal who treated him.

He added: "I found the nurses, doctors and all the staff to be caring, skilful, efficient and all good-humoured.

"I have gratitude for all concerned as I can now look forward to a full recovery."

OPINION, P8