A passer-by who tried to revive a man who was dying on the pavement in Bermondsey last week has described his long-lasting “shock” at the experience.
John O’Sullivan, 73, passed away on the pavement near his home in Kipling Street last Wednesday (July 7). He had lived in Burwash House on the Kipling Estate for about twenty years.
John Nanton was coming home after taking his two children to school and happened to see Mr O’Sullivan as he collapsed, gave him CPR in a bid to keep him alive, called an ambulance and stayed with him until he died. Paramedics arrived but sadly could not keep John alive.
“I’ve been upset for a few days,” Mr Nanton said. “It was a bit of a wake up call. Someone just popped out and fell over and died. You’re thinking that could have happened to anyone at any time. It’s a strange feeling.” He stayed with the dying man until police told him to go away – which he said made him feel “a bit gutted”.
Mr O’Sullivan’s daughter Lucy Ann Palmer said: “I’m glad that someone was with him when he passed away. It gives you comfort to know that he wasn’t all alone when he died, even if it was someone he didn’t know. It’s going to be emotional when I speak to [Mr Nanton].”
Mr O’Sullivan was originally from Cork in the south of Ireland. He was nicknamed ‘Corky’, although Lucy is not sure if the name refers to his home city.
“He didn’t have much, not even food in the fridge when I went round,” Lucy said about her father.
“But he was always polite to everybody, always happy. He used to bring flowers and chocolates to his neighbour.
He just helped everybody. He was quite popular from what I heard, especially after living there so long.”
He used to work as a gardener and still enjoyed gardening. He also liked singing karaoke with friends and going to pubs in Penge and Forest Hill, Lucy said.
Lucy is now fundraising for her father’s funeral and the wake, which will be held at his favourite pub in Forest Hill. The coffin will be draped in an Irish flag and people are encouraged to wear Irish-themed clothing in a nod to John’s country of birth. Anyone who wants to donate can do so here: https://gofund.me/7869d8cc