A Benllech volunteer who trains islanders to use defibrillators and also looks after the life-saving kit around the island is my March Hidden Hero.
Nick Blakeley organises free defibrillator training sessions for people to be confident using them to save lives when someone suffers a heart attack.
He is also the guardian for five of the devices to ensure they are in good working order.
Over the years, Nick has also helped his community by building a playground at the local primary school, being a film projectionist – a big passion of his – and getting involved in local donkey derbies and It’s a Knockout.
He has also been involved in the Benllech Pantomime for 27 years and he has been a volunteer for the Anglesey Guide Association.
Nick is now hoping to raise money for more defibrillators for his village.
He said: “I feel recognition for what I volunteer for is a small fish in the sea for what others do and I feel I’m not really worthy of recognition as it’s something I’ve done for many years and is part of my life.
“But it is nice to be appreciated by my local MP.”
Nick has been a real support and an enthusiastic and expert presence at defibrillator training sessions that have done so much to train up islanders to use the life-saving devices.
This is important work and one Nick and I are committed to. I thank him for all he does for our island. He is a worthy recipient of my Hidden Hero award.
