"Forever grateful after cardiac arrest at..."

I am forever grateful for the paramedics, St John's Ambulance, Doctors, Nurses and staff at both Nottingham University Hospital sites who attended me on 24th September 2017, after I collapsed as a spectator at the Nottingham Marathon,

I had travelled to Nottingham to watch my son take part in the marathon and at the beginning of the event I felt unwell and collapsed, followed by a short seizure, vomiting and loss of output. I went into VF arrest and received 2 x adrenaline & 3x shocks before return of spontaneous circulation. I was transferred to ITU at Nottingham University Hospital for ongoing care and was later admitted to cardiology for further investigation. I underwent a coronary angiogram and a stent was inserted.

My 2 week stay at Nottingham was traumatic for the family who travelled daily to visit me.

The doctors,nurses, and staff were all fantastic!

We cannot praise them highly enough for their professionalism, dedication and compassion.

Many of the staff I could thank personally, but I want to convey my sincere thanks to all those in Accident and Emergency and ITU who I couldn't thank because I was intubated.

It is without doubt that the swift action of all those involved in my care from the moment I collapsed (including a marathon participant who is a consultant anaesthetist ), saved my life and minimised the effect of loss of consciousness.

I have now returned home and my care transferred to my local hospital.

I had no idea that I had heart problems. I considered myself fit and healthy, so to have this happen was literally a bolt out of the blue, but I am so grateful that I was in Nottingham when it happened and not out walking the country lanes where I live.

Luck and the wonderful staff of Nottingham University Hospital have given my a second chance! Thank you from my newly stented heart!

MW.