Man Thanks Those Who Saved His Life During Heart Attack at Sports Centre
Mike Taylor, 56, expresses gratitude to those who saved him during a cardiac arrest at a football match in Dorset
Mike Taylor, Purbeck Sports Centre, Bere Regis, Dorset, Defibrillator, Cardiac Arrest
Dorset: Mike Taylor, 56, had a cardiac arrest on December 17. He was playing football at Purbeck Sports Centre with his son and other players.
Andy Mott, the opposing team’s manager, and Terry Evans, the manager of Mike’s team, quickly rushed to help. They started CPR after realizing Mike’s heart had stopped.
Mike expressed his gratitude, saying he feels lucky to be alive. He thanked Andy, Terry, and the Sports Centre staff for their quick actions.
Once CPR began, the Bere Regis team and parents helped by calling emergency services and supporting the young players. They also sought help from the Sports Centre staff.
The operations manager sent lifeguard Angus Macbeth and duty manager Callum Way with a defibrillator. They used it to restart Mike’s heart while waiting for emergency services.
After eight days in the hospital, including two in a coma, Mike returned home on Christmas Day. It was a holiday his family will never forget.
Mike noted how fortunate he was that a defibrillator was available at the Sports Centre. He mentioned the importance of having defibrillators accessible to the public.
He recently spoke with Alison and Simon Colvin, who lost their son Shaun to a cardiac arrest last year. They are raising funds for defibrillators in memory of Shaun.
Mike plans to support their campaign and encourages others to donate. He believes it’s a fitting tribute to Shaun, who accomplished so much in his short life.
With help from Sandford Labour Club, the first fundraising event will be on February 22. Mike’s daughter Lily will perform live music there.