Heart drama halts parade

Lytham St Annes Lifeboat head launcher David Forshaw, from Ansdell, had been on the lifeboat and coastguard procession and was walking alongside it when he took ill on Church Road, between Market Square and Lowther Terrace.

The procession of floats, bands, cars, church and community groups, was halted at around 10.20am on Saturday to ensure paramedics could carry out their work unhindered, including using a defibrilator to help restart his heart in the street.

Speaking after the incident, Lytham St Annes Lifeboat operations manager Andy Fallow said: “We just want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped.

“David is recovering ok. He was taken to hospital and was having a stent fitted in his heart.”

Speaking as he waited for the head launcher to be returned to the ward, Mr Fallow added: “The crew and the coastguard we were with are all medically trained and a passing anaesthesiologist gave first aid as well while the paramedics were on their way.

“We’d like to thank everyone who helped when it happened.

“When he was being taken in for surgery, David was concerned that he’s caused a fuss and we see that as a very good sign.”

One eyewitness to the event told The Gazette: “It was amazing. They treated him and he was trying to get up and apologised, telling his colleagues he thought he had heartburn.

“He had no idea he’d been shocked back to life.”

David is the longest-serving member of Lytham St Annes Lifeboat, having joined as a launcher, classified as shorecrew, in 1984. He became head launcher 1990, a role he’s served as ever since.

The club day parade restarted around 40 minutes after Mr Forshaw was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital by ambulance.