A woman in Littlehampton gave CPR to a dying man – and his family want to thank her for giving them time to say goodbye

The family of a man who died following an accident at Littlehampton Harbour want to thank the lady who tried to save his life.
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Ian Mayo, 73, was cycling along the seafront on Sunday, May 24, when he fell off his bike at Arun Parade near Harbour Park shortly before midday.

According to his family, a young woman risked her health to give him CPR before the emergency services arrived. He was then flown by air ambulance – a charity he had supported for many years – to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton (as seen in the video above). Despite the doctors’ best efforts, he passed away.

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Speaking on behalf of Ian’s widow Christine Child, his stepdaughter Barbara said: “This woman’s act of kindness and bravery gave my mum and I the opportunity to say goodbye, and for that we are eternally grateful.

“You gave us days to hold his hands and tell him how much he was loved.”

Barbara also hoped the woman could give them some closure as to how he died.

She said: “There is a query as to whether he had a heart attack due to coming off his bike or if the heart attack caused him to come off.

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“She may be the only one to say whether he looked like he was having problems before coming off.”

The family of a man who died following an accident at Littlehampton Harbour on May 24 are looking for the woman who tried to save his life. Ian Mayo, pictured with his granddaughter Emma Mawdsley.The family of a man who died following an accident at Littlehampton Harbour on May 24 are looking for the woman who tried to save his life. Ian Mayo, pictured with his granddaughter Emma Mawdsley.
The family of a man who died following an accident at Littlehampton Harbour on May 24 are looking for the woman who tried to save his life. Ian Mayo, pictured with his granddaughter Emma Mawdsley.

The family had tried to find the good Samaritan through the police – but the recording officers took with her details was too distorted by the wind.

Barbara paid tribute to Ian, saying ‘the way he loved my mum was so complete and beautiful’ and praising the bond he had with her daughter Emma Mawdsley, five, who called him ‘gandad’.

She said: “He would do anything for her, even letting her play with his miniature train room – unheard of before her.” She went on to say: “Almost all our family and friends have a part of Ian in their home as anyone needing help with DIY, home maintenance or decorating knew where to get help.”

If you helped Ian, or you know who did, please contact us so we can put you in touch with his family.

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