After the tragic loss of a ‘caring’ colleague, 58, Bailey of Bristol paid tribute: “Phil was held in high regard by everyone he worked with Community Reporter
Employees at a Bristol-based firm have launched a year-long fundraising effort in memory of a colleague who died from heart disease last year. Phil Thomas, a father of two, died abruptly at the age of 58 after working for Bailey, a caravan manufacturer in South Bristol.
Phil was a team leader at Bailey of Bristol and their longest-serving employee, characterized as ‘caring’ and a ‘great person to be around’. He was tragically killed by a cardiac arrhythmia and myocarditis, a disorder that causes inflammation of the heart muscle.
Every year, more than 800 people die in Bristol from circulatory and heart disorders, and it is the leading cause of mortality in the UK. In addition to raising more than £11,000,According the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the company has donated a defibrillator to the Merchants Academy school in Withywood, and staff have learned to be lifesavers through first aid and CPR training.
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They participated in the British Heart Foundation’s annual Go Red campaign and donated unwanted things to the charity’s shops. “Phil was held in high regard by everyone he worked with,” said Daniel Clay, head of human resources at Bailey of Bristol. He was a caring colleague and friend who was also a lot of fun to be around. It was an honor for him to collaborate with us.
“We’re proud that, in the aftermath of his untimely death, we were able to band together and support the BHF.” Along with raising funds for BHF research, we have prioritized promoting awareness and knowledge of CPR. It’s a basic ability that we can all acquire, but it has the potential to save lives.
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“It is very humbling that Bailey of Bristol has chosen to support our work in the aftermath of their awful loss,” said James Rogers, the BHF’s local fundraising manager. Their actions will make a lifesaving impact, not only in terms of the research we will be able to support to better treatment and care, but also in providing people with the skills they will need if the ultimate emergency occurs.”
The BHF supports research into illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, and vascular dementia, as well as risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. You may find out more about their work, get involved, and donate.
