Cardiac arrest survivor signs up for London Ambulance Charity walk

A man who beat the odds to survive a cardiac arrest is the first person to sign up for this year’s London Ambulance Charity annual fundraising walk.

Rob Hutt, then 59, collapsed last summer while out for a run near his home in north-west London. Luckily two other runners were out that day and stopped to help. Their actions saved his life.

Dad-of-three Rob said: “It’s a miracle I’m alive. Those strangers were responsible for that miracle. I’m taking part in this year’s London Life Hike so more miracles will happen and more lives will be saved.”

The London Life Hike takes place on Sunday 27 September and every penny raised will go towards installing life-saving defibrillators across the capital and training people in how to save a life.

Participants can choose to walk a 6km or a 21km scenic route through central London, taking in many of the city’s iconic landmarks.

Rob, who also has three grandchildren, is recovering so well he has opted for the longer route.

He said: “When I collapsed I was really fit and healthy – I was training for a triathlon and hadn’t felt unwell. I have no memory of that day but I have since learned how lucky I am to be alive.”

At the moment fewer than one in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest.

Chest compressions – also known as CPR – and a shock from a defibrillator can more than double a person’s chances of survival.

When Rob collapsed last July he had just finished a 15-mile bike ride and was starting his run. Two other runners noticed him collapse and called 999.

The London Ambulance Service call handler quickly recognised Rob was in cardiac arrest and instructed the callers on how to give chest compressions. This provided immediate lifesaving support to Rob until the ambulance arrived.

The ambulance crew gave Rob two shocks with a defibrillator which returned his heart to a normal rhythm. He was taken to hospital for heart surgery and remained in an induced coma for several days during which time doctors were unsure if he would survive.

Rob said: “I was eventually discharged after a fortnight. Things are getting back to normal, I’m back at work, but I’m changed – I don’t put off what I want to do now. I’ve also become a very passionate advocate for learning CPR.

“Without CPR none of the other brilliant professionals would have been given the chance to save me. I know that giving CPR is scary but I want to reassure people that survivors can never truly express how grateful they are because there are simply not the words.

“It is the greatest gift you can give anyone. It saved my life and it means I can see my children and grandchildren. I have so much to live for.”

The London Life Hike will allow London Ambulance Service to install defibrillators in areas where they are needed most and teach Londoners what to do when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. 

Last year’s event raised £25,000 – enough to pay for 15 defibrillators to be used by local communities in London.

Dr Fenella Wrigley, Chief Medical Officer and acting Chief Executive, said: “We have some of the fastest ambulance response times in the country for cardiac arrest patients but for patients like Rob, every second counts.

“Anyone can learn the simple skills to give someone a chance of life. By learning what to do, people will have the confidence to step up when it really matters.”

The London Life Hike will start and finish at Southwark Park Bandstand in central London.

The family-friendly 6km route will include a children’s activity trail and is accessible for wheelchair users. The longer 21km route will take in scenic views of the River Thames and London’s landmarks.

Jess Burgess, Head of London Ambulance Charity, said: “Rob is an inspiration and it is an honour for us that he is the first person to sign up for a place on the London Life Hike.

“His life was saved because people cared enough to make a difference – we can all make a difference! Please sign up to join us.”

To support the charity’s life-saving work by taking on this new challenge, you can register here.  

As well as walking there’ll be CPR training, children’s activities and a chance to see some of London Ambulance Service’s historic ambulance collection.