Tributes paid to a ‘wonderful man’

Shocked shoppers looked on as Charlie Lamb, 81, collapsed in the Jewel Box just after 10am on Thursday 2nd August.

While awaiting an ambulance, Priory Centre staff rushed to his aid. Mr Lamb died a short while later in Bassetlaw Hospital. He leaves behind his wife Jill, three Children and five grandchildren.

Mr Lamb worked at Whitwell Pit for many years and in his spare time and during retirement he enjoyed baking wedding cakes.

Speaking to the Guardian, the Lamb family described him as ‘a very well-known and well-liked man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends’.

A family spokesman added: “It was a real shock for all of us to learn of Charlie’s death. We’d like thank all who gave assistance at the time to ensure that he wasn’t alone and looked after him.”

Leaving tributes on our Facebook page, Tracey Ann Scruby said: “RIP Charlie Lamb - you were a wonderful person with a wonderful family.”

Diane Tingle added: “My heart goes out to his family. I was with Mr Lamb along with the Priory staff who did a magnificent job.”

Priory Centre manager Lynette Bray said: “Our security team have all been trained to deal with urgent incidents and in this very sad case, did so in a professional manner. Nick Fenech is the centre’s security team supervisor and a fully trained first aider. He assisted the gentleman before the ambulance arrived.”

“On behalf of all the staff at the Priory I would like the gentleman’s family to know that our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

Responding to claims that emergency services could have arrived sooner, a spokesperson for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We received an emergency call at 10.05am to reports that a man had fallen and cut his head.”

“We immediately despatched an emergency clinician. One of our highly skilled control staff provided CPR instructions over the phone. The solo responder arrived at 10.16am and back-up ambulance at 10.19am.”

He continued: “The national performance standard requires us to get to life-threatening conditions within eight minutes. At 10.10am we were advised that the patient had stopped breathing and it took us six minutes from that point to get on scene.“

“We offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of the gentleman for their sad loss.”