Cardiac arrest survivor thanks 'heroes' who saved him

Marco Desider (middle) said PC Ellis, Claire Leverington, David Williams and Rob Allmey were all heroes

A man who suffered a cardiac arrest has thanked three members of the public, an off-duty paramedic and a police officer for saving his life.

Marco Desider was due to meet family at Letchworth railway station, Hertfordshire, in May, when he was found collapsed on Grange Road.

He was immediately helped by Claire Leverington, and her partner, Clayton Garrick. They were joined by David Williams, off-duty paramedic Rob Allmey and then PC Callum Ellis.

Mr Desider said their "quick thinking, skills and selflessness" gave him "the greatest gift anyone could give, more time with my loved ones".

When Mr Desider was found unresponsive on the ground, Mr Allmey started CPR, emergency services were called and Mr Garrick went to get a defibrillator, Hertfordshire Police said.

His pulse was restored, after Mr Allmey was able to open his airway.

Mr Desider was taken to hospital for treatment, where he had a quadruple by-pass. He was sent home at the beginning of June.

He said: "I struggle to find the right words to express how deeply grateful I am to each of them.

"When I suffered a cardiac arrest, their quick thinking, skill, and selflessness saved my life.

"They gave me the greatest gift anyone could give: more time with my loved ones, more moments to cherish, and a future I almost lost.

"Thank you for being my heroes.

"I will never forget what you did for me, and I will carry this profound gratitude with me every day. With all my heart, thank you.”

PC Ellis said without the help "Marco would not be here today".

"It is not often we get to share the good work that members of the public do for us in the emergency services," he added.