Warwick mayor hailed hero after council chairman suffers heart attack

Richard Davies was speaking to those gathered at Cllr Bob Dhillon’s civic dinner when he suffered the sudden heart attack.

Cllr Davies - who is also chairman of Warwick District Council - collapsed in front of around 80 people and was immediately given life-saving CPR by the mayor who was on hand to help.

The Kenilworth councillor was taken to Warwick Hospital before being transferred to University Hospital in Coventry where he is awaiting major heart surgery.

His wife Erica, also a town councillor, confirmed on Monday that his condition was stable, and friends and fellow councillors have wished him a speedy and full recovery.

Cllr Dhillon has since been hailed as a hero, but said he simply ‘did what he had to do”.

“It just all happened very quickly,” he said. “Richard was making a speech when all of a sudden he was on my shoulder and not breathing.

“He fell down and I caught him before he hit his head. I put him in the recovery position and administered CPR, I didn’t have time to think.

“His breathing kept stopping so I kept doing the CPR until the ambulance arrived. I think I did it four or five times.

“It is the first time I have ever used this in a real-life situation and I am just glad I was able to do a good job.

“All my thoughts go out to Richard and his family and I hope he makes a full recovery very soon.”

Cllr Dhillon (Con, Warwick) was taught the lifesaving skill just nine months ago as part of his role with Racing Club Warwick.

He was helped by nurses Suzette Smith and Julie Cook who administered treatment to Cllr Davies before ambulance paramedics arrived to transfer the patient.

Councillors across Kenilworth have sent good wishes out to his family after hearing the “shocking” news.

Cllr Andrew Mobbs, leader of WDC and fellow town councillor, told the Courier he was “stunned” to hear the sad news and wished his friend the very best recovery.

“Richard Davies is a very good friend and an excellent councillor,” he said.

“I was shocked to hear the news and all of us in Kenilworth wish him the very best and fastest recovery.”

Cllr Davies’ chairmanship is due to end in May, until when duties will be undertaken by vice chair, Clare Sawdon.