PLANS to place life-saving equipment at key points along the Wye have taken a first vital step at a well-known riverside pub.

Lives have already been saved at Whitney, where a new defibrillator has been made available, 24 hours a day, at the Boat Inn.

Now efforts are ongoing to make similar provisions at strategic spots along the river between Hay-on-Wye and Chepstow.

The late Mungo Leir, who lived at Maesllwch Castle near Glasbury, has been the inspiration behind the endeavour.

A charismatic local figure, he founded the Hay-on-Wye business, Black Mountain Roast, but sadly died from a cardiac arrest at the age of 48.

As a keen canoeist, his friend, Aubrey Fry who runs ‘Want to Canoe?’ based at Hay, felt that raising funds to put accessible defibrillators at points along the Wye was a fitting legacy.

Beside a defibrillator pack in the porch at the Boat Inn will be a plaque in Mungo’s memory.

“He loved canoeing so we decided to organise a sponsored canoe trip from Hay to Chepstow,” said Aubrey. “We want to buy as many defibrillators as we can because we know they save lives.”

He continued: “Mungo moved up from Brighton in 2014 and worked in Hay with his business partner but sadly died.” Aubrey lost his own father when he was six as a result of a heart attack. “So this is an important thing to be able to do.”

The Boat Inn’s owner, Robert Taylor said two lives have already been saved this year. “We now have this facility and if it saves one life it’s important; it gives reassurance.” Mr Taylor said the “completely portable” defibrillator with clear instructions for use was available 24 hours a day. This autumn a training day open to all will be held in Whitney.

Mr Taylor said the Boat Inn “championed” responsible use of the river with regard to alcohol.

“It’s fine for people to get off the river and have a few drinks,” he said. “The Boat is a really good destination and we always have people landing here.” He also runs a large camp-site nearby. Aubrey’s business makes arrangements to transport those canoeists who land at the Boat Inn back to Hay.

The Black Mountain Roast company has made a batch of coffee called Mungo’s Blend, and 20 per cent of all sales are to go to the fund set up in his memory to provide defibrillators on the Wye.