A HEREFORD dad “would not be here today” if Hereford runners and paramedics had not acted so quickly after he suffered a life-threatening cardiac arrest.

Mike Powell, of Leominster, collapsed while taking part in Hereford parkrun on December 11, 2021.

On-scene first-aiders and paramedics rushed to Mr Powell’s aid, and the air ambulance was called to the event’s Christmas meeting at Hereford Racecourse. Mr Powell was taken to Worcester Royal Hospital.

Hereford Times: It took Mr Powell time to get adapt to every day life after his cardiac arrest Picture: Rob DaviesIt took Mr Powell time to get adapt to every day life after his cardiac arrest Picture: Rob Davies

The normally fit and healthy 51-year-old spent four days in a coma and was discharged 11 days after admission.

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His wife, Julie, who was at home when she learned of his collapse, said he would not be here today if it wasn’t for the quick response of the paramedics and Hereford Couriers marshals.

“It was a massive shock because he is so fit,” said Mrs Powell.

“Doctors told us to be prepared for the worst.”

Since the cardiac arrest Mr Powell has suffered from short-term memory loss and cannot remember anything from the week leading up to the incident.

Hereford Times: His wife Julie Powell was in shock when she heard the news Picture: Rob DaviesHis wife Julie Powell was in shock when she heard the news Picture: Rob Davies

The family were told he had finished the race but had gone back to help another runner. That was when he collapsed, and paramedics were with him in five minutes.

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Mr Powell said he felt lucky to have been surrounded by a lot of people after a teammate suffered a heart attack and died during a cross-country run in 2020.

But now Mr Powell is back to running slowly and has just completed a run leadership course.

“One doctor said I wouldn’t run again,” said Mr Powell.

“But there is no stopping me.”

In October 2021 he set up a running club in Leominster after recognising the need for it in the town.

He would like to thank Zac Clarke who ran the group for him when he was ill and continues to be a great help on a weekly basis.

The club meets every Monday at 6.30pm and anyone is welcome.

“I want to thank everyone who helped me,” he said.