THE day after we launched a campaign promoting the use of defibrillators in public places, Eric Atkinson’s story has emerged as the perfect example of why action is needed.

Eric is a 70-year-old father-of-three and grandfather-of four. Without a defibrillator being available at Billingham Forum, he would now be dead. Eric had suffered a heart attack while using the treadmill at the leisure centre but quick-thinking staff were able to keep him alive until paramedics arrived.

It underlines our concerns that so many gyms – especially those run by private operators – have not invested in defibrillators. They cost around £1,000, experts say they can be used by anyone with basic training, and the evidence is clear that they save lives.

Mr Atkinson’s words speak volumes on our front page today: “I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the staff at Billingham Forum and that defibrillator.”

Our campaign – called “A Chance To Live” – has also been bolstered by Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham yesterday calling for a national plan to reduce sudden deaths from cardiac arrest. Mr Burnham wants the plan to include more defibrillators being placed in public places such as sports clubs, schools, shopping centres and libraries.

We launched the campaign after hearing how Darlington father-of-four Mike Brough, 51, was also saved thanks to a defibrillator after he collapsed at the town’s Dolphin Centre.

Let’s make sure more lives are saved by increasing the number of defibrillators in public places – especially those where people are exercising.