Jill Banks’ husband, David, a former prison officer, passed away in March 2022 after suffering a heart attack despite the best efforts of Jill and medical crews. In his memory, every year Jill organises a memorial walk around her village, and this year was joined by more than 50 people, raising a total of £1,633 for the NWAS charity, including a donation of £1,073 from the Prison Service Charity Fund.

Jill said, “Our walk was perfect. I have done it on each anniversary, and this year I have chosen the ambulance charity for donations. The crews that attended to Dave after he collapsed were absolutely fantastic. NWAS does an amazing and dedicated job.”

Jill handed over the money earlier this month with her daughter, Adele, and grandson, Elijah, as part of an emotional reunion with Jarek, one of the paramedics who had tried to save David, after she had requested to meet the crew and thank them for their efforts.

Jill, who works as an NHS Medical Secretary, added, “It was really nice to be able to speak to Jarek again, and it has given me some level of closure.

“Since David passed away, I’ve been anxious about doing any more CPR training, partially because of the memories it brings back. Jarek put my mind at rest, and it’s something that I will do now.”

The North West Ambulance Charity supports efforts to save lives in the community by purchasing community-access defibrillators, maintaining them through the purchase of replacement parts, and funding equipment for volunteer community first responders. It also supports projects within the service to boost the well-being of NWAS staff.

Roya Armstrong, Fundraising Manager for North West Ambulance Charity, says, “We are so very thankful to Jill for her generous support and to those around her who helped her with the organisation of the memorial walk. We’re glad it went well! Her donation will make a positive difference to patients and emergency services staff.”