THE family of a respected former Mayor are fundraising to buy a defibrillator - after his life was saved by the equipment 11 years ago.

Former Castle Point Mayor and Essex County Councillor, Tony Wright, passed away in January aged 79.

Mr Wright, 79, had been a Labour Party member since his Air Force days, and was a highly regarded pillar of the community.

His family are hoping to fundraise enough to buy a defibrillator to be placed in South Benfleet.

Mr Wright owed the last 11 years of his life to a defibrillator, a story he was always proud to tell as it highlights the importance of the equipment.

Mr Wright had battled against heart problems since his late 40s.

In October 2006 he was on his usual early morning swim at the Runnymede Leisure Centre, in Benfleet when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Pool attendants managed to save him with the emergency defibrillator.

He was later fitted with a combined pacemaker and miniature defibrillator.

Mr Wright’s daughter, Nancy Harper, said: “In memory of our beloved Tony Wright we would like to raise enough money in his name to buy a defibrillator for South Benfleet.

“About 11 years ago Dad was swimming at his favourite swimming pool - Runnymede.

“He lost consciousness whilst completing his butterfly length and had to be pulled from the pool by the lifeguards.

“He had no pulse and no signs of life. “

Mrs Harper added: “They used a defibrillator on Dad and brought him back to life.

“My dad was forever thankful for this and regularly said he was given 11 extra years he believed he shouldn’t have had.

“He was particularly thankful as he got to be a grandad and this was a role he loved and adored.

“We would be really grateful if anyone would like to contribute, that’s however big or small.”

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nancy-harper?