A tight-knit community in Blidworth helped to honour a long-time neighbour with the donation of a defibrillator.

Residents on Marklew Close and New Close, Blidworth, were devastated when Mike Stubbs died last year after suffering a heart attack.

Now he has been remembered at the presentation of the defibrillator.

His neighbours joined Mike’s family and friends to also unveil a commemorative plaque.

At the event Mike’s widow, Sylvia Stubbs, thanked friends and family for their generous contributions, saying: “Unfortunately a defibrillator wouldn’t have saved Mike’s life, but we’re confident that this one will help someone else.”

“It feels like a fitting tribute to provide this gift for the community in memory of him. Mike would be so proud of what we’ve achieved.”
Mike and Sylvia moved into Marklew Close and New Close 12 years ago.

The 30 bungalows in a quiet cul-de-sac offer independent living for older people through Nottingham Community House Association (NCHA).

The service, led by scheme manager Nigel Marshall, includes low-level support and emergency assistance.

“Mike was more than a neighbour, he was a friend,” said Nigel.

“We’re so grateful to Sylvia and her family for raising the funds for this defibrillator.

“Thanks to the local Men in Sheds group for putting the plaque on a beautiful oak backing, and for the team at NCHA for installing the defibrillator.”

Led by Sylvia and her family, a fundraising event in the village raised £800. Money for the lifesaving device also came from government match-funding, and additional donations from Mike’s funeral.

The defibrillator has been registered on the national circuit, and will be available to anyone in the local community in an emergency.
Nigel added: “It’s a fitting tribute for a man so fondly remembered.”

NCHA designs, develops and builds homes for all tenures to meet housing need across the East Midlands – go to ncha.org.uk for more details.

Mike’s daughter, Sharleen, and his widow, Sylvia, are pictured with his granddaughters, twins Olivia and Sophia,  at the unveiling of the new defibrillator.