A HEROIC bus driver who helped save a man's life is the latest recipient of an award highlighting Wrexham's finest heroes.

The F Jones Initiative recognises those who contribute most to the Wrexham community and was originally established by Wrexham Lager and F Jones Food Service.

The latest recipient of one of the awards is Matt Jones, who alongside Daniel Johnson, helped rescue a fellow bus driver who was having a heart attack earlier this year.

In March, Stephen Bustin, a driver for Lloyds coaches, suffered a heart attack at Wrexham bus station.

The 59-year-old was in the gangway of his bus when it happened, unable to reach the button to open the doors.

But thankfully, two Arriva bus drivers - Matt and Daniel - were nearby and heard the father-of-five's cries for help, rushing to his aid. 

After opening the bus' doors, without hesitation, they drove it to hospital.

Upon arrival at Wrexham Maelor Hospital's emergency department, Stephen was resuscitated four times, and shocked using a defibrillator to get his heart working again - and survived.

Handing Matt the award, a statement from the F Jones Intiative team read: "We have great pleasure in recognising Matt Jones, for his actions that helped to save the life of Stephen Bustin.

The Leader:

PIC: Matt Jones (right) receives his F Jones Initiative award.

"Matt is a bus driver who works for Arriva. Matt arrived at King Street bus station earlier this year, after just driving the Chester route, to be greeted by his son-in-law running towards him, shouting “have you seen Steve? He is having a heart attack!”

"They ran over to Steve’s bus, where to their horror, they found Steve lying on the floor, clutching his chest and struggling to breathe.

"Matt checked his pulse which he confirmed was racing, and could see Steve was sweating profusely and that his heart was pounding.

"Matt’s colleague Dan phoned for an ambulance, but he was told there would be over an hour’s wait.

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"He kept holding Steve, instructing him to keep coughing. Matt knew what to do in these circumstances, as his son Archie has cardiac heart problems and he has received training on what to do in this situation.

"Realising they were in a life-threatening situation, Matt and Dan made the decision to drive the Arriva bus to the emergency department at the hospital.

"There is no doubt Steve owes his life to the quick thinking that day. Matt knew to keep Steve taking deep breaths and cough vigorously. He has even received a letter from Wrexham Hospital thanking him for his actions!

"After the emergency, Matt returned to work and carried on the day, driving the Arriva No.1 bus to Chester. Well done Matt you were definitely in the right place at the right time!"