A life-saving encounter at Costa Coffee

Written by and asked to be shared by Kerry.

On the 5th of June 2024, an ordinary day at Costa Coffee turned into one of those moments that changes everything. Kerry and her mother, Sheila, were enjoying their time together, unaware that they were about to face a situation that would test the limits of human compassion and skill.

Out of nowhere, Sheila experienced a life-threatening medical emergency. In the frantic moments that followed, it was the quick thinking and selfless actions of four individuals— Chris, Phil, Scott, and Lee who are all Welsh Ambulance Service Volunteer First Responders made all the difference. Without hesitation, they sprang into action, their efforts so coordinated and efficient it seemed as though they had trained for this exact moment.

But these weren’t medical professionals—at least, not in their day jobs. They were everyday people who had voluntarily taken first aid training, never knowing when they might need to use it. On that day, their training became the difference between life and death. They worked together seamlessly, stabilising Sheila until emergency services arrived. It was this rapid and professional response that allowed Sheila to reach her 72nd birthday, a milestone that seemed nearly impossible just moments before.

After weeks in critical care, Sheila finally made it out of the hospital, beginning the long road to recovery. Her journey will be challenging, but thanks to the heroic efforts of those four individuals, she can walk that road— a chance that almost slipped away.

For Kerry, the impact of that day goes far beyond gratitude. Her mother is her world, especially in the wake of her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis earlier this month. The thought of losing both parents in such a short time was unbearable. But because of the actions of these everyday heroes, Sheila is still here, and that means everything.

Kerry knows that no words can truly capture the depth of her gratitude. "Thank you" feels insufficient, and any token of appreciation seems trivial compared to what they’ve done for her family. Nonetheless, she has a small gift for each of them—a simple gesture of her immense appreciation. While she had hoped her mother could present these gifts personally, Sheila’s health remains too fragile. Kerry visited the Centre today to deliver them and met the people who gave her more time with her mother.

Kerry will be thankful for those four individuals every day for the rest of her life, and she wants to share their story, not just as a way of saying thank you, but as a reminder of the incredible difference that a few people can make when they act with kindness, courage, and skill. In a world where we often feel powerless, their actions stand as a testament to the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives.