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Police officers and store manager honoured for saving grandfather's life at Ipswich supermarket

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Two Suffolk Police officers and a Sainsbury's store manager have been awarded Humane Society certificates after their quick-thinking actions saved the life of a 79-year-old grandfather who suffered a heart attack while shopping.

Why it matters: The incident highlights how rapid response and teamwork between retail staff and emergency services can make the difference between life and death in medical emergencies.

The big picture: Store manager Claire Fletcher began CPR on Edward Ardern after he collapsed by the tills at Sainsbury's in Hadleigh Road in April. When police officers Kim Butler and Katharine Bloom arrived, they took over the life-saving efforts, with PC Butler continuing CPR while PC Bloom set up a defibrillator and administered one shock.

Police officers Kim Butler and Katharine Bloom
Police officers Kim Butler and Katharine Bloom have been awarded Humane Society certificateSuffolk Constabulary

What happened next: Mr Ardern was taken to hospital by air ambulance, where he spent nine weeks recovering.

What they're saying: PC Butler said her training "just clicked in" during the emergency. PC Bloom added: "I don't think you really even think about it. You are doing your best, you're not half-heartedly doing it, you're doing absolutely everything you can"

Mr Ardern said: "I appreciate everything everybody did. If that hadn't happened, there's no way I would be alive today"

The bottom line: Thanks to the swift actions of these three women working together, Mr Ardern has made a full recovery and is now back at home with his family.

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Ellisons appoint Head of Marketing

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Matthew Rowe has been named permanent Head of Marketing at Ellisons following a successful interim period with the firm.

Rowe has worked with some of the region's largest firms and currently serves as a Regional Director for the East of England Committee at PM Forum.

Matthew Rowe, Georgina Phipps, Emma Boorman and Poppy Tamang of Ellisons Solicitors
Matthew Rowe, Georgina Phipps, Emma Boorman and Poppy Tamang of Ellisons SolicitorsEllisons Solicitors

What they're saying: "We initially brought Matt in on an interim basis, and we're thrilled that he has agreed to join us permanently on a part-time basis," said Lizzy Firmin, Chief Operating Officer at Ellisons.

"His leadership has already played a crucial role in strengthening the marketing team, and his expertise in the legal sector, alongside his deep understanding of the East Anglia market, will be invaluable as we look to achieve our long-term strategic objectives," she added.

"I'm excited to take on this challenge and continue leading such a talented team. I've loved my short time at Ellisons, and I'm confident the team will continue to build on the solid foundations we've established to drive Ellisons' marketing efforts forwards," said Rowe.

The bottom line: Rowe brings over 20 years of experience in professional services marketing and regional expertise to Ellisons  as it pursues its "next phase of growth and brand development."

Ellisons Solicitors

Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich
Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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