Bexley has five new devices to prevent deaths from cardiac arrest thanks to an appeal in memory of a special constable who died suddenly in 2008.

Paul Wilkins was out celebrating his 22nd birthday when he collapsed and died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome at Pizza Hut on Bexleyheath on January 11, 2008.

Since then a charity night has been held every year on the anniversary of his death, with this year’s raising £7,847 for the Hearts & Goals campaign on behalf of Arrhythmia Alliance.

The money has helped install five defibrillators available for public use at locations in Welling and Bexleyheath.

If someone does suffer a cardiac arrest, the devices can increase their chances of survival from nine per cent to 5o percent, if used in conjunction with CPR.

Paul’s mum Pam Oates said: “Sadly that chance was not available to my son six years ago.

“We feel proud these machines are out there as something tangible for people to see after all the hard work that has been carried out in Paul’s memory.”

List of locations:

  1. 7 Day Chemist, Bellgrove Road, Welling
  2. The Lord Kitchener Public House, Wrotham Road, Welling
  3. Goals Soccer Centre, Graham Road, Bexleyheath
  4. Danson Park Boathouse, Danson Road, Bexleyheath
  5. Bexleyheath Police Station, Arnsberg Way, Bexleyheath