A firefighter who survived a cardiac arrest just weeks after losing his fiancée was among the crowds who helped raise more than £25,000 at this year’s London Life Hike.
Nick Walton completed the London Ambulance Charity walk in memory of his beloved partner of 37 years, Nicola Bacon.
Just weeks after Nicola’s death, Nick also went into cardiac arrest while cycling to work. Fortunately, paramedics from London Ambulance Service were able to save his life.
He said: “I took part in the London Life Hike for Nicola, but also for everyone who has lost someone to cardiac arrest and every family hoping their loved one will survive.
“The money we have raised will help put more defibrillators where they are needed and helps people learn CPR, so every step helps save a life.
“I’m proud to have been part of it.”
The London Life Hike, which took place on Saturday (26 September) is the annual walk from the London Ambulance Services’ dedicated charity, and every penny raised will go towards increasing the number of life-saving defibrillators in communities across the capital.
Defibrillators are easy and safe to use by the public. When someone is in cardiac arrest, a defibrillator delivers a shock to the heart which can restore a normal rhythm.
Also completing the challenge were four members of the King family, after Sam King suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this year.
Sam, who was just 26 at the time, collapsed days before the birth of his first child. His heavily pregnant wife Emma called 999 and gave him chest compressions following instructions from the call handler.
Four days later, she gave birth to their daughter. One of the first signs of Sam’s recovery came when he met his newborn daughter for the first time. He has since made a full recovery.
His mum Sarah King, aunt Helen Schmidt, sister Lucy King and sister-in-law Charlotte Diffey walked together to celebrate his survival and help other families affected by cardiac arrest.
Sarah said: “We thought Sam was going to die but the care he received from London Ambulance Service and everyone in the NHS was incredible.
“We will always be so grateful to everyone who played a part in his survival.
“We are here to celebrate Sam’s recovery, but also to help other families have the same chance we had.”
Before setting off on their 21km or 6km journeys that took in many famous London landmarks, participants could learn life-saving skills and enjoy family activities at a vibrant event village in Southwark Park.
Specialist paramedics, including members of the Cycle Response Unit and Motorcycle Response Unit, were on hand throughout the day to speak to visitors about their roles and demonstrate equipment.
Craig Harman, Chief Operating Officer at London Ambulance Service, said:
“I have met some truly inspiring people here today and I want to thank everyone who supported London Life Hike.
“Behind every cardiac arrest is a person, a family and a community. We know that early CPR and access to a defibrillator can dramatically improve someone’s chance of survival.
“The more people who know these simple skills, and the more defibrillators we have available in our communities, the more lives we can save.
“If you walked, volunteered, sponsored someone or donated, your generosity will help give more people the chance to survive and return home to their families.”
You can still support the walkers of the London Life Hike and make a donation to the Heart Starters campaign by visiting: www.londonambulancecharity.org.uk/donate/heartstarters. If you would like to register for next year’s London Life Hike, please email [email protected] or visit here to sign up for information on the London Ambulance Charity.
The event sponsors were Mazuma Mobile and UNISON