A MAN who had a heart attack at Chepstow Leisure Centre has been back to thank the staff who saved his life.

When Paul Kelly collapsed while playing five-a-side football, leisure centre duty officer Duncan Thompson used the site’s defibrillator and, with help from colleagues, he resuscitated Paul and assisted when ambulance staff arrived. 

County councillor, Bob Greenland, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, said: “Mr Kelly was operated upon in the Bristol Royal Infirmary hospital where he made a full recovery. He was very grateful for the prompt action by staff and for their first aid skills, without which the outcome could have been very different. 

“Following his operation he visited the leisure centre to convey his thanks.

“Staff at our leisure centres display a high degree of professionalism at all times and this incident illustrates their impressive standards. 

“I’m delighted by the prompt and effective action taken and very pleased that Mr Kelly has made such a good recovery. We look forward to welcoming him back at the leisure centre soon.”   

Monmouthshire’s head of tourism and leisure, Ian Saunders,added: “We’re very proud of the assistance given by Duncan and his colleagues to save a life at Chepstow Leisure Centre. Staff receive monthly training covering first aid, CPR, defibrillation and life-guarding skills while duty officers also receive first aid at work training. 

“In addition, Duncan and two other staff are trainers and assessors for the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification which operates in association with the Royal Lifesaving Society.”