In Memory of Neil Gilbert – Helping Save Lives in Cheshire East

On Sunday 21st December 2025, Neil Gilbert, a loving dad, step-dad, grandad and friend, suffered a sudden heart attack while in GOAT. Despite being rushed to hospital, Neil tragically went into cardiac arrest and passed away.

Neil was Jono’s step-dad, and his loss has deeply affected his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.

In the weeks since Neil’s passing, we’ve been pondering the ‘what ifs’ and looking and how we can make help more readily available for others who may need it in the future.

Why This Matters

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second counts.

- Without a defibrillator, survival rates are between 5–10%

- When a defibrillator is used quickly, survival can increase to over 70%

Yet many hospitality venues, late-night spaces and retailers don’t have a defibrillator. This is mostly because:

- The upfront cost is high (circa £1,000 per unit)

- Ongoing maintenance adds pressure

- Rising business costs mean it’s often pushed aside as an “afterthought”

We believe it should never have to be an afterthought.

What We’re Trying To Do

We are Jono Yates (Only Scrans & co-owner of GOAT) and Sam Hulme (Beauty of the Feast & co-owner of GOAT).

Together, in Neil’s memory, we want to fund and supply defibrillators to:

- Local hospitality venues

- Late-night venues

- Retailers

These are places people gather. Places where emergencies happen.

We want to remove the cost barrier and make sure staff and members of the public have immediate access to life-saving equipment when it matters most.

Local first responders have kindly also offered their time to ensure the people receiving the defibrillators are comfortable operating them.

This fundraiser is about turning a loss into something that protects others.

How You Can Help

- Donate, if you’re able. No amount is too small

- Share this page to spread awareness

- Help us make Cheshire East safer for everyone

Thank you for taking the time to read, support, and remember Neil.

We will document the progress on Social Media so you can all follow the journey.