Commendation for Rhyl Lifesaver

A RHYL man whose quick thinking and bravery helped save the life of a woman on a day trip to the town has been commended for his actions.

Peter Mckeown performed life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Jean Forde, 75, after she went into cardiac arrest on the high street.

Mrs Forde had been visiting Rhyl on a family day out when she was taken ill. Mr Mckeown came to the rescue, using his instincts and first aid training learned in the Royal Welsh to perform CPR until emergency services and the air ambulance arrived.

Hearing of his efforts, Rhyl Mayor Cllr Joan Butterfield invited Mr Mckeown to attend a town council meeting, where he received a signed commendation.

Cllr Butterfield said: “The town council recognises Mr McKewown’s bravery and his selflessness in going to Mrs Forde’s aid. Too often, we hear bad stories and not the good, and we felt Mr Mckeown’s actions deserved acknowledgement. We were only too pleased to invite him along to meet with council. We thank him for his bravery and wish Mrs Forde and her family well.”

The written commendation praised Mr McKeown’s bravery and actions, which the council said they hoped would ‘serve as a reminder to all of the importance of being kind and helpful.’

Mr Mckeown said his only thought was getting Mrs Forde to safety and getting her emergency help as quickly as possible had been his priority. He thanked people nearby who had also stepped in to help and shared that he had previously helped another lady in the town who had come into difficulties.

“I am just incredibly grateful to have been in the right place at the right time to help both of these ladies, and I wish Jean nothing but the absolute best in her recovery and a beautiful future with her wonderful family,” added Peter.