THE family of a "real character" have honoured his memory by making a donation of life-saving equipment to a Barrow company to help others.

Derek Ellison died in March after having a cardiac arrest. The 65-year-old had taken ill at Barrow shipyard when visiting the site for his work. Mr Ellison, of Barrow, had been delivering a skip for JJC Hire to BAE Systems at the time.

BAE staff and others at the Buccleuch Dock part of the yard came to Mr Ellison's aid. BAE Systems' emergency medical technician team, which included a good family friend of Mr Ellison, gave him emergency treatment at the scene.

The grandfather was rushed to Furness General Hospital, in Barrow, where his family joined him. Mr Ellison was then transferred to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and his family accompanied him. Mr Ellison passed away that evening at the Lancaster hospital.

More than £750 was raised at Mr Ellison's funeral and the family decided that the money should be used to purchase a defibrillator.

The equipment has been donated to BAE Systems and is now located in the main Barrow reception alongside a plaque for Mr Ellison.

This week family members went along to the company to present the defibrillator and thank everyone who helped their much missed loved one.

They were greeted by BAE officials, including Ian Burns, health and safety and quality director at the site. Avril McKinley, represented the BAE emergency medical technician team. Medics Mrs McKinley, Steve Gaydon, Paul Wilson and Emma Worrall had treated Mr Ellison at the site.

Mrs McKinley, a good friend of the family had stayed with him in the ambulance and at hospital until his family arrived.

Mr Ellison's widow, Heather Ellison, said the whole family were touched to see the defibrillator in place. This becomes the 33rd defibrillator on the site, with more to follow. BAE said almost 600 staff have now been through defibrillator training, which is ongoing.

Mrs Ellison said: "It's really good to have the defibrillator here in the main reception. If it can save just one person then it has done it's job.

"We wanted the money to go towards a defibrillator. In Derek's case the medical team used one.

"We couldn't think of anything more fitting. It could be be used by someone in the company or by anyone in need of a defibrillator.

"Derek would be proud, he was always helping others."

The family wanted to thank everyone who helped, from the people at Buccleuch Dock at the time, to the medical technicians, paramedics and hospital staff.

Mrs Ellison said: "We would like to say thank you to everyone at the site and the hospitals. Everyone tried their best for him."

The family take comfort knowing family friend Mrs McKinley was part of the medic team, and they grateful that she stayed with him in the ambulance to hospital until they could get there.

Richard Ellison, one of Mr Ellison's children, said; "We can't say thank you enough. There are no words that explain that."

Mr Burns, said: "Thank you for this gesture. It is a fantastic way to remember Derek. It is the 33rd defibrillator we have on site and we are getting more. This one is in prime place in reception. Thank you very much for thinking of others at such a difficult time.

"Getting on for 600 people in the business have been trained to use defibrillators and we will carry on with that training. That training can then be used anywhere in the community. We don't leave this training at the gate."

Mr Burns thanked all employees who came to the aid of Mr Ellison, medically trained or not. He said it must have been hard for Mrs McKinley to discover that it was a good friend in need of emergency care that day and putting emotions to one side.

Mr Ellison was originally from Ulverston and he lived in Barrow. He started his working life as a mechanic and he was always interested in wagons and driving them, and this would become a career he loved. Mr Ellison was also a drummer with bands the Red Apples and Raffles. He was also involved in equine organisations and was a past chairman of Ulverston and District Equine Club.

Mrs Ellison said: "He was as a real character. Derek knew such a lot of people. If you didn't see him, you could hear him, he was always laughing and whistling. We'll remember him laughing and whistling, that was Derek.

"He was the life and soul of the party. He idolised his family."

Defibrillator training

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it's an essential life saving step in the chain of survival.

For those who come across someone who has had a cardiac arrest, it’s vital to call 999 and start CPR. Hopefully a defibrillator will be nearby.

Heartstart courses teach you CPR, use of defibrillators and other emergency life saving skills.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service in Barrow offers Heartstart courses. Those interested in taking part in a Heartstart course can call the free phone number 0800 358 4777.