Dads reunite with teams who helped save their lives after cardiac arrests

Two dads who suffered cardiac arrests four minutes apart visited the hospital that helped save their lives.

Martyn Wood, from Sittingbourne, and Jon Honeyman, from Bexley, were total strangers back in March 2023, but became friends when both were treated at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. They made the return visit on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of their second chance at life and thank the staff who cared for them.

Their stories share remarkable similarities, as both were taking part in sporting hobbies when they collapsed. Both were also resuscitated by people nearby who sprung into action before paramedics and the air ambulance arrived.

Martyn, 69, who worked in the paper and board industry, and airport security, before retiring, said: “I was told if it had happened anywhere else I would have died.

“The air ambulance team said for someone my age there is a five per cent chance of survival, so I really am very, very lucky.

“I will be eternally grateful to everyone who helped save my life.”

Martyn was 50 yards from the finish line in his third Park Run when he collapsed. Fellow runners started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the race organisers used a mobile defibrillator to restart his heart.

He spent five days in a coma in the critical care unit at the William Harvey Hospital, where his family soon realised there were other relatives in the same situation.

Jon’s loved ones were also facing an anxious wait, after he became ill during a ride with his cycling club.

The 59 year old, who works for BT, was 15 miles into a 50-mile ride and cycling up a hill when he suffered a cardiac arrest. A retired nurse and midwife, who is also a CPR trainer, was part of the same ride and immediately went to his aid.

The emergency call for Jon was made four minutes after Martyn’s, and a first responder was on the scene within minutes, quickly followed by an ambulance. Paramedics were able to restart his heart and put him in an induced coma to stabilise his condition before he was also taken to the William Harvey.

Jon said: “I remember waking up in hospital and wondering what I was doing there. I don’t remember going cycling so it was very confusing.

“The doctor told me my recovery was down to receiving good CPR and I do think the outcome would have been different if it had happened anywhere else.

“I can’t fault the care I received; it was absolutely brilliant, and I’m very grateful to everyone.”

Both men were moved to Bartholomew ward to continue their recovery before being discharged, and both have now returned to their hobbies.

Jon said: “I have bought an electric bike to help with the hills but otherwise I’m back riding with the club.

“I had been quite active with the cycling and playing badminton, and I’ve never smoked, so I didn’t tick any of the boxes but you never know what is going on inside.

“The ride leaders are now all trained in CPR which is another positive as it will give other people the best chance of survival for the future.” 

Martyn added: “We don’t remember the worst parts, so the experience was harder for our families and I think it definitely helped that they found others going through the same thing.

“To begin with, my family were worried about me going back to Park Run but I alternate marshalling with taking part in the run and it’s my way of saying thank you.

“The medical team couldn’t find a reason for my cardiac arrest but I have a defibrillator fitted now in case it happens again. Other than having to change my induction hob, because it could affect it, it is like nothing ever happened.”

Critical care consultant Hannah Hines said the whole team was delighted to see Martyn and Jon again.

She said: “It is brilliant to see them up and about, making jokes, and to hear that they have been able to return to their usual activities with no serious after effects.

“That is the outcome we all want the most and sadly some people do not survive or are left with long-term problems.

“Good quality and immediate CPR is key to surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the people who reacted so quickly at the time undoubtedly helped save Martyn and Jon’s lives.”