Wilmslow pensioner thanks officers for saving his life

Officers rushed to Jan’s home in Wilmslow after the 79 year-old’s wife rang 999 when her husband collapsed.

The officers performed CPR on Jan, who has recovered following hospital treatment and having a pacemaker fitted.

He thanked the officers, PCs Steph Darbyshire, Jenny May and Ben Harrington, for their life-saving efforts in person after asking if they could call to see him.

Jan said: “I remember feeling dizzy, and then woke up two days later at the hospital not remembering what had happened.

“My family told me the officers had to do CPR and had brought me back to life. I have no idea how to thank them for this miracle.”

When asked about their visit he added: “I was over the moon, as were my family, as they had witnessed what had happened and were worried for weeks.

“Seeing the officers made them feel really grateful, and the officers were happy to see me too. I think they were proud of what they had done.”

At about 7.30pm on Sunday, August 25 Jan’s wife called 999 when he started feeling ill, but dropped the phone as he collapsed.

When the three PCs arrived at Jan’s home was sat on his sofa, drained of colour and suffering agonising pains in his head. He was vomiting and could barely stay conscious.

Suddenly he fell silent and was struggling to breathe. The officers rolled him onto his back and began CPR.

As the defibrillation pads were about to be placed on his chest he made a quiet noise and gasped for breath. He was then placed in the recovery position while waiting for the ambulance’s arrival.

Jan was unconscious for a few days in hospital until he was strong enough to have a pacemaker fitted. Once recovered and back at home with his family he wanted to personally thank the officers for saving his life.

Macclesfield Police Station received an email from Jan’s daughter asking to see if the officers could come and visit him.

PC Harrington said: “At first it was weird seeing Jan in such good health, since only a few weeks back he was fighting for his life.

“It was uplifting to witness the aftermath as it’s rare that officers can see that side of things.

“This experience made us realise the impact we had on Jan’s life and that what we did was a really big thing.”

Macclesfield Chf Insp Jez Taylor said: “The fantastic work of the officers has undoubtedly helped save Jan’s life.

“They should be extremely proud of their actions, and it’s fantastic to see that the man is now at home making a good recovery.

“Steph, Jenny and Ben will be considered for a local reward and recognition award for their outstanding work.”