A man who collapsed in cardiac arrest in Gravesend has enjoyed an emotional Christmas reunion with the team that saved his life.

Garry Henderson, 55, was recently been reunited with the paramedic, ambulance crew and 999 call taker who helped save his life when he collapsed at home on September 6 this year.

Now keen to spread a message about the importance of CPR training and other important skills, Garry said he was "so grateful for everything everyone did."

"It feels like the stars aligned for me so that everything was in place that day," he said. "It was very emotional but it was lovely to see everyone in person to properly thank them."

Garry, from Gravesend, Kent, was saved by quick-thinking from his partner Sue in calling 999 whilst CPR was provided by members of staff from a nearby nursery, Claire and Sam, and a nearby GP.

This was followed by expert hospital treatment, included spending time in an induced coma.

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Along with Sue and his brother Simon, Garry went to the Medway ambulance station in Chatham to meet with Critical Care Paramedic, Dave Hawkins, Operational Team Leader, Alexandra Hemsley, ambulance crew Daisy Vickery and Adrian Biles as well as 999 call taker, Nick O’Doherty.

Dave said: “The chain of survival started with Sue speaking to Nick on the phone. Help was quickly sought, and it was so critical that Garry was given CPR prior to our arrival. It takes a team to save a life and everyone worked really well together. We shocked Garry’s heart twice to return it to a normal rhythm before heading off to the William Harvey for Garry to undergo emergency treatment.”

The 55-year-old remembers northing of the ordeal, but was quick to praise the ambulance team in an emotional reunion.

He commented: "I’m so grateful for everything everyone did. From Nick at the end of the phone, to the GP and nursery staff to the whole team and my subsequent treatment in hospital."

Mr Henderson had unknowingly suffered a heart attack back in June 2018, and after attending a doctors appointment he was subsequently fitted with two stents.

The subsequent collapse saw him spend close to five weeks in hospital in an induced coma, and he was fitted with an internal defibrillator.

“I know in hindsight I should have listened to my body more rather than wait four days to see my GP. I’d urge people to take the warning signs seriously and ourselves and our friends and family know first hand how vital it is for people to learn how to save a life.”

Sue added: “I know I wasn’t very patient with Nick on the phone and so it was really nice to be able to apologise and to meet everyone in better circumstances. Thank you to everyone involved in ensuring we’re together this Christmas.”