A dad who collapsed in a popular Marlow park while playing with his son said he was "extremely upset" to learn that lifesaving bystanders were denied access to the community defibrillator.

Shocked onlookers in Higginson Park rushed to help Richard Brown on Saturday, March 19 after he had a heart attack whilst running around the flower beds with his young son, Matthew.

Members of the public dialled 999 in an attempt to access the new community defibrillator next to Costa, but the call operator was unable to hand out the access code much to their frustration.

However Mr Brown said he and his wife Isobel are profoundly grateful to those that helped and gave him a second chance at life with his family.

He said: “It is so hard to put into words my thanks to all those who helped me on that day and for looking after our young son Matthew, but thank you.

“Because of the thoughtfulness of strangers and the Police, our son has been remarkably unscathed by this experience, when he could have been a very traumatised little boy.

“My wife, Isobel and I will always be profoundly grateful to you all. I am doing well and I hope to make a full recovery, but I now understand how lucky I am as my outcome is not very common.”

Less than 50 percent of people who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital are treatable by the time the ambulance arrives and less than nine percent leave the hospital according to Mr Brown.

He continued: “I was told in hospital I had between 8-10 minutes downtime as they euphemistically call it, so my survival and lack of serious brain injury is down to the fantastic CPR and care given to me by the first aiders that saved me.

“After reading the article in the newspaper I am truly humbled by the number of people who came to my aid and tried to help.

"I was extremely upset to learn that the newly installed public defibrillator (AED) at Costa Coffee could not be accessed for some reason and I would very much like to know why this was

“I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been not to be able to get hold of the public AED and use it, especially considering there was a trained life guard performing the CPR on me and doctor and other NHS staff in attendance."

South Central Ambulance Service are yet to comment on the incident, but Community Heartbeat Trust – a charity which provides defibrillators to communities – confirmed a full investigation is underway.

Mr Brown – who is from Maidenhead - has called out for anyone that was there on the day to get in touch so he can express gratitude and piece together the events on the distressing day.

Were you there on the day and have any information which may help Richard? Get in touch jasmine.rapson@london.newsquest.co.uk