Philip Heath, who was involved in the Twelve All Saints Wine Bar crash in Stamford, was sorry
A son has fulfilled his father’s wish by issuing an apology to those who were injured when he suffered a heart attack at the wheel.
Philip Heath was driving past Twelve All Saints in December when he was taken ill and his car drove into the wine bar window.
Two women were injured in the crash but Philip never had the chance to apologise.
He was taken to Peterborough City Hospital and later admitted to the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge where he died.
Philip’s son Dan has now contacted the Mercury to apologise to those involved in the crash.
He said: “Dad had urgently wanted to write a letter to apologise to the two young ladies involved and to thank those who stopped to help.
"He felt incredibly guilty even though there was no real blame.
“He had a positive outlook on life but this was such a negative.
"He felt dreadful that those two girls were just enjoying a night out and then suddenly had a car on top of them.
"It must have have been harrowing for them and he just wanted to say he was sorry.”
Philip, 74, grew up in Glaston and attended Stamford School.
He moved away from the area but returned to Stamford in 1982 with his children Dan, 47, Becky, 45, and Emily, 43.
Philip set up Wilson and Heath Architects with his business partner Bill Wilson and together they worked on many high profile buildings including Browne’s Hospital and Oakham School’s theatre, which was opened by The Queen.
He married his second wife Heather Heath 15 years ago and was an active member of the Rotary Club of Stamford and Stamford Probus Club.
At the time of the accident he had felt dizzy and was trying to pull over when he blacked out.
Dan said: "He woke up in the window of the wine bar where people sat with him until help arrived.
“He had heart problems but was living his life as normal so this came as a big shock to all of us.
“He was in and out of hospital since the crash and things went from bad to worse.
"His heart was struggling.”
Philip died in hospital on February 2.
“He was such a kind man and did so many positive things for the town,” said Dan.
“He always had time to stop and chat to anyone.
"I’m so proud of him.”
