Adam Ayres, 38, from North Weald, died in September 2020 while out in Epping.
His parents Sue and Chris Ayres officially unveiled the life-saving equipment and a special plaque outside the Forest Gate pub in Epping in his memory on Sunday, December 7.
Known as ‘Ayresy’ by his friends and teammates at Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Football Club, Mr Ayres worked as a signal engineer for the London Underground.
Adam Ayres remembered as friends continue to fundraise in his honour (Image: Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Club)
He was a well-loved figure in the town, with many paying tributes after his death.
His mother Sue Ayres said: “It means a lot to us to commemorate Adam’s life by buying this life-saving defibrillator for everyone in Epping.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all his friends, especially those at the rugby club who still fundraise in Adam’s memory, and at the pub, where the defib is now ready for emergency use.
“Adam was a kind, funny and popular man and we are pleased that fundraising in his memory might save other people’s lives.”
The defibrillator donated by the Ayres family is now accessible to all in Epping (Image: Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Club)
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is stored in a heated, external unit and can be used by anyone in an emergency.
A defibrillator delivers a controlled electric shock to restart the heart during sudden cardiac arrest.
It is not the first time family and friends have helped the community in his memory. In 2022, his family gifted the East of England Ambulance Service a specialist lifting chair.
Sue Ayres unveils community defibrillator dedicated to her late son, Adam (Image: Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Club)
In a statement on the club’s website following Adam’s death, Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Club paid tribute to him as someone who “personified” their values of loyalty, integrity, and friendship.
John Newman, a community first responder with the East of England Ambulance Service, said: “I’d like to thank Adam’s family and all the fundraisers and donors for donating the defibrillator to the Epping community.
“Using a defibrillator can dramatically improve the chances of survival in those critical first few minutes before our ambulance arrives when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest.
“We want people to know that it is there for public use outside the Forest Gate.
“If someone is taken ill anyone can phone 999 and be talked through how to use the defib and potentially save a life.”