Lifesaving equipment honours loving grandad who died suddenly at Il Padrino

Dad-of-two Alan Barnes, 72, died suddenly at Il Padrino restaurant in Middlewich on Saturday, May 29.

Dad-of-two Alan Barnes, 72, will be missed by all who knew him

In just 24 hours, after an appeal was launched to fund lifesaving equipment, residents donated more than £3,000.

So much money was raised that two defibrillators have now been installed - one outside the restaurant on Wheelock Street and a second device at The Turnpike on Warmingham Lane.

Alan's family say they feel overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.

"We have given his family comfort and hope," said Claire Halluni, who runs the Italian restaurant with husband Alberto.

"His daughter Gina and son Gary are so grateful, they want to thank the whole community.

A defibrillator has been fitted outside Il Padrino on Wheelock Street

"Alan was a deeply loved husband, father and grandfather who is greatly missed by all who knew him"

Alan was enjoying a family meal with daughter Gina, her mum Klassje Hutson, grandson Adam and girlfriend Emma Humphreys, when he suddenly became unwell."

"Tragically, despite the best efforts of our team, paramedics and a doctor, he could not be resuscitated," said Claire.

"It shows that the unthinkable can happen at any moment.

"We would hate for anyone to ever have to go through this experience.

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"We hope the machines are never used but if they are they can save lives."

In loving memory of Middlewich grandad Alan Barnes

A defibrillator gives a high energy shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest.

With speedy emergency treatment, chances of survival can rise to 80 per cent.

"The response has been absolutely incredible," said Claire. "When there is a need in time of upset and tragedy, the community pulls together and it makes us stronger.

"It has been very emotional but gratifying that some good has come out of such a tragic event and we're extremely proud to have been part of it."

Claire wants to thank Daniel Moores, from Helicopter Emergency Service Equipment (HESE), and Linda Boden, from Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation (SADS,) for their expertise and knowledge in obtaining the devices.

Linda Boden, Claire Halluni and Daniel Moores as defibrillator is installed outside Il Padrino

"Without their wonderful help, I would have been lost," said Claire. "I'll be forever grateful grateful for their support. They helped me to get the defibrillators in place so quickly.

"An engraved plaque with Alan's name will be placed on the wall. His legacy will live on through this.

"The events of that evening have affected us.

"I am going to do a fundraising event every year in his memory."

Staff at Il Padrino will be completing an intensive first aid course and shown how to use a defibrillator.

"I have three young children and it made me realise it could happen to a member of your own family,"said Claire.