A PENARTH man has been praised for his quick actions to save the life of a football player following a cardiac arrest at a veteran football tournament.

Paul Averies, a Barry Town Veterans Football Club player, took part in a Wales over 60s tournament in Oxfordshire in August.

During the match, he was praised for his quick actions in using a mobile defibrillator to save Kevin Bovington's life after he suffered a heart attack during the match.

Mr Bovington told The Penarth Times and Barry & District News of the horrific moment he collapsed.

He said: “I was fortunate that Paul acted as quickly as he did as nobody else was coming forward.

Penarth Times: L-R The Bovington family, Katie, Bridget and Kevin with Stuart Escott from Tarmac who donated the new defibrillator and Paul Averies. Picture: Supplied L-R The Bovington family, Katie, Bridget and Kevin with Stuart Escott from Tarmac who donated the new defibrillator and Paul Averies. Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)“It made me feel special that of all the people to carry it out, it was him, not a stranger it was somebody I knew and trusted which made me feel comfortable.

“I have seen him since and have thanked him for saving my life. I know it was a very distressing moment for him and I am lucky to have recovered from it.”

The annual Milton over 60s tournament was held in Oxfordshire, and members of the Barry team had just been donated by Tarmac Aberthaw Cement Plant with a new mobile defibrillator.

Mr Averies took the mobile defibrillator to the tournament in case of any emergencies, but little did he know that he would have to use it so soon.

The cardiac arrest happened without warning, with Kevin enjoying regular exercise and a 30-mile cycle ride a week before the incident and suffering from no health conditions.

Penarth Times: Wales & England over 65s at Penybont 2023. Picture: SuppliedWales & England over 65s at Penybont 2023. Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)Mr Averies added: “During the tournament, Kevin collapsed in the middle of a game, he wasn’t breathing and fell to the floor.

“I ran onto the pitch with no training or experience on how to use the defibrillator. Players were watching but none of them were ready to jump in.

“I felt that I had to do it, and luckily he came through. It was a bit of a traumatic experience for me, but I am glad that Kevin recovered.”

Mr Bovington now believes that there should be more mobile defibrillators pitch side and ready to use during matches.

He added: “The hospital told me that speed is critical and that every minute is crucial towards recovery.

“These machines are much quicker to use than the ones on the wall that are much slower, the mobile machine can save people's lives a lot faster.”