A DROITWICH councillor has thanked those who saved him following a heart attack and is looking to remind people about how precious life is.
On Friday, October 3, Coun Richard Morris, the leader of Wychavon, woke up early and went on his usual dog walk, when he began to feel a bit unwell and started sweating.
When he arrived home, he stood in the kitchen and reached for an orange juice- and the next thing he woke up in hospital.
Little did he know, but he had collapsed in the kitchen as his heart had stopped, but luckily, his brother was on hand to call 999 and give him CPR.
He told the Standard: “A flashback to an emergency vehicle was my only knowledge that something had happened.
“I did not know what pandemonium I had caused; my brother saved my life before the first responders, ambulance, and Air ambulance did their magical work.
“I feel totally blessed and fortunate, as I could have collapsed in the middle of the dog walk or a little later when I would have been driving to Evesham.”
Coun Morris came around in the hospital, asking why he was there and what had happened.
He spent the next week in care and had an MRI scan and two stents fitted before continuing his recovery at home.
He added: “Now I attend weekly cardio Rehab and am gradually getting back to some kind of normal, but accepting I must not rush things and find a suitable balance – as I’m a give-all kind of guy.
“There is a history of heart issues in the family.
“I had walked 10,000 steps or more daily for 5 years, and did morning exercise, but it seems genetics can be the dominating factor.
“I would like to thank all the emergency services and all the great Worcestershire Royal cardiology Team- Nurses, cleaners, Porters, Food preparation and Doctors- who were really terrific, as well as the excellent Cardio Rehab Team.”
Coun Morris now wants to look to set up a local support group for anyone who has experienced or is experiencing cardio issues.
He added: “As a new year dawns and plans are made, I urge everyone not to take life for granted; it is a gift to us, and we need to live with love, respect and integrity.
“I empathise with anyone who has had a heart condition as it makes you feel so vulnerable and the fragility plays with your mental health, but trust in our medical professionals and their care gives us strength, along with family and friends.
“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to send me cards and messages, as they have meant a lot and helped my recovery.
“I’m alive and give thanks. Please do cherish every day with your family and friends, as you never know what is around the corner- live, love and laugh.”
Email [email protected] if you are interested in starting a cardio support group.
