Family thank life saver

  • by Staff Writer
  • Saturday, 28th October 2017

The son of a Hammers fan who suffered a heart attack prior to West Ham United's 3-2 win at Wembley on Wednesday night has thanked the individual who saved his father's life.

Wayne Perry's father collapsed prior to the start of West Ham's Carabao Cup match with Tottenham on Wednesday but due to the quick-thinking of a fellow supporter who administered CPR on the spot, survived the ordeal.

"Around 20 mins before kick off my Dad collapsed after having a heart attack (not known at the time)," Wayne told KUMB. "It got chaotic and we were shouting for a medic. We put Dad in the recovery position.

"Then a gentleman approached my friend and said: "I’m a medic", ripped off Dad's shirt and began administering CPR. Although it seemed like this went on for an age, apparently the paramedics were there in two minutes and shocked him with a defibrillator to get his heart going.

"The Doctors said that without that CPR he would not have made it. I never got to say anything to the guy who saved Dad's life as it was all a bit mad, hence my request to do so."


Hero: life-saver Ian Pearse


Following his father's recovery in hospital, Wayne and the Perry family asked KUMB to help find the individual who saved his father's life. And we are delighted to reveal that the Hammers hero is company director Ian Pearse.

"When my Dad is better we plan to get together and sink a few!" added Wayne. "I can’t thank everyone enough for their help and support. I was never a fan of social media but the messages and response has blown me away.

"We are planning on turning an awful experience into a positive and I'd like to thank everyone involved for getting the message out there."

Administering CPR is known to save about five per cent of those who experience a heart attack or seizure. The chance of survival is hugely enhanced (to some 50 per cent) if a defibrillator is used, as in this case.

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