Liverpool’s Lord Mayor will present two men with certificates of recognition for their life saving heroics on Friday 23 November.
Billy Quayle, a teacher from St Theresa’s Primary in Norris Green, was refereeing a match for a team of pupils from his school when he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch at St Michael’s in West Derby.
His life was saved by two quick-thinking spectators, Pete Burcher – a teacher at St Michael’s, and Tom Diamond, the father of one of the goalkeepers at the game.
Both men performed CPR on the dad-of-three until paramedics arrived. Despite his heart stopping for 20 minutes, Mr Quayle is now recovering at home.
And on Friday 23 November at 11am, all three will be reunited at the Town Hall for the presentation of the certificates.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Sharon Sullivan said: “The actions of both these men on the day is nothing short of heroic.
“Their quick thinking saved the life of Mr Quayle and I am delighted to be awarding them both special certificates of recognition.
“This incident also highlights the need for defibrillators at all schools and playing fields, something the city council and partners are currently working towards.”
Mr Quayle’s daughter, Melanie, contacted the Town Hall as she wanted to thank both men personally for their help in what she calls ‘a life changing event for their family’.
She said: “I really want to commend the actions of these amazing Liverpool citizens, without them my dad would not be here today.
“I want them to know that my family are eternally grateful to them, we cannot thank them enough.”
Mr Quayle will attend the Town Hall along with family members, including his parents, wife Cheryl, and daughter Melanie.
