A MAN whose friend died of a heart attack while out Christmas shopping has purchased four defibrillators in his memory.

Andrew Simmons described the death of his friend Paul Sullivan as a “wake-up call” and vowed to help install life-saving equipment around the Portslade area.

Paul suffered a heart attack in Boundary Road, Portslade, in December last year.

The nearest defibrillator was a 10-minute walk away.

Paul was taken to hospital but doctors were unable to save him. 

The 60-year-old, who had recently retired, was described by friends as a “good character” and “massive Brighton fan”.

The Argus: Paul and Sharon SullivanPaul and Sharon Sullivan

Andrew, 48, attempted to lose weight and raise money for the defibrillators in January by walking every day for a month. He raised just over £2,000.

He said: “I have had a heart attack before, I have high blood pressure, I’m diabetic so I just thought doing that it will give me a chance to raise some money and become a bit more healthy.

“I didn’t lose much weight but it was great to raise the money.

The Argus: From left, Sharon Sullivan, Jim Millward and Andy Simmons raising a glass for PaulFrom left, Sharon Sullivan, Jim Millward and Andy Simmons raising a glass for Paul

“I work at lots of vintage car and bike shows so one of the defibrillators I’m going to have stickers on my van and have a mobile defibrillator. These shows get up to 10,000 people camping at them.

“I’m having a three-day CPR course in July so I’m trained up for it.

Paul's widow Sharon Sullivan, from Mile Oak, said: “I have lots of lovely friends luckily. I try and see friends every day. It is still very raw.

“I wasn’t expecting this, Andy came up with this by himself. He said it was a wake-up call for him and many people.”

The Argus: Left, Sharon with owner of Oscar's convenience store Neil. Right, Sharon with Hangleton Manor manager Tom MorrisLeft, Sharon with owner of Oscar's convenience store Neil. Right, Sharon with Hangleton Manor manager Tom Morris

As well as the mobile unit in Andrew's van, there are now defibrillators at The Stag’s Head in High Street, Portslade, Hangleton Manor in Hangleton Valley Drive, Hove, Oscar’s convenience store in Hangleton Way, Hove.

Jim Millward, landlord at The Stag’s Head, said: “This was one of his locals! He would come in every day, normally with Sharon. We always had a chat and a laugh.

“We had a similar type of humour. It was a no-brainer to have the defibrillator put in here.”