Lasting legacy for Herefordshire fisherman who died

Michael Banks was taken ill when fishing just outside the town on July 19, 2023. 

The 73-year-old was taken to PRB Horseboxes' car park in Southern Avenue where a defibrillator was used to try to revive him, However, sadly it was too late.

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"Dad’s wishes were for any donations at his funeral to go to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), but due to circumstances, two of his grandsons and my sister suggested donating to get a defibrillator, said Emma Banks, Mr Banks' daughter.

"Obviously defibrillators are very expensive so I set up a Just Giving page to try and hopefully raise the rest of the money towards this.

The defibrillator is at PRB Horseboxes Ltd in Leominster (Image: Family of Michael Banks)

"After a week, I was contacted by a charity called London Hearts who offered me a discount on a top-of the-range defib. When I had raised the funds, which came from donations from the funeral and the Just Giving page from friends and family, I purchased a defib through them.

A plaque is in place in memory of Michael Banks (Image: Family of Michael Banks)

"This has now be fitted at PRB Horseboxes Ltd and is available to be used if needed by anyone.

"It has been registered with the circuit which is a website that shows where defibs are sited and also with the ambulance service. Defibrillators are vital and we are honoured to have one placed in memory of Dad from the donations from all our friends and family."