A PUB manager who suffered a mini stroke at the age of 37 is hoping to raise funds to install two lifesaving machines in the village where he works.

Phil Oliver was at work 18 months ago when the transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, struck.

After recovering he wants to help expand the network of heart defibrillators, that could help save the life of someone suffering a cardiac arrest.

Phil, who plays rugby, told the Telegraph & Argus: “Last January I had a mini stroke, where I was temporarily paralysed down my right side.

“I was a hotel manager and was checking a guest in at the time. I couldn’t control my right hand side whatsoever – the guest didn’t know what was going on.

“Typical bloke, I tried to carry on working, and about half an hour later things started to come back to normal.

“It didn’t even cross my mind that I was having a stroke, I just thought I was overtired and that my blood sugar had dropped.

“It wasn't until the back end of the night where I kept noticing I was struggling and my vision was blurring, so at that point I went to hospital.

“They found two small blood clots to the left side of my brain and that is what caused the stroke.

“I was very, very lucky – and I’m on medication for life now.

“When it happened, it was a bolt out of the blue – I didn’t think I was at risk – I played rugby and was only 37.

“It showed me that it’s something that can literally happen to anybody, anytime, anywhere.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A lifesaving defibrillatorA lifesaving defibrillator

He is now the manager of the Woodlands Hotel, a pub in Oakenshaw, and the pub is organising a fundraising day next month to help raise around £4,200 for two defibrillators in the village.

The event will be at the pub on Saturday, August 26, and there will be stalls, funfair-style games, a raffle,  live music from Amii Cherryholme and local band Vice City Radio, as well as American Diner-style food and drink.

Phil added: “I was extremely lucky but now I know more, I would never want anybody else to take that risk. The defibrillator could be the difference between life or death for someone and we want to make it accessible as possible.

“In reality I hope we never need to use it, but if it saves one person’s life, it’s all been worth it.”

To donate to help get two defibrillators installed in Oakenshaw, visit aeddonate.org.uk/projects/23-464.