A FATHER-of-three who survived a cardiac arrest is walking 10km for charity.

Adrian Abbott, 54, from Salisbury, says he is “lucky” to be alive after having a cardiac arrest while at work, and will soon be walking 10km to support the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

Mr Abbott has been inspired to take part in the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 7 at Wilton House by the care he received at Salisbury District Hospital. He will be joined by some of his colleagues from MJ Abbott.

SEE ALSO: PICTURES: Dame Judi Dench opens new building at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital

In August 2023, Adrian suffered a cardiac arrest, which is when the heart suddenly stops beating. He admits: "I was lucky to survive it. I was driving a forklift and then suddenly had a cardiac arrest. I collapsed and fell out of the forklift with my head landing on concrete.

"Luckily, one of my colleagues rushed over and gave me CPR while another came out with a defibrillator. I was given two shocks with the defibrillator and 20 minutes of CPR."

Ambulance crews then arrived and rushed Adrian to Salisbury Hospital.

"I would never have made it to the hospital without my colleagues. I want to thank them, the hospital staff and the paramedics for saving my life." 

Adrian was put into an induced coma and spent a week on the Radnor Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He was later cared for on Tisbury Cardiac Ward, where he spent a further week.

He said: "They looked after me incredibly well. I can’t fault the care I received."

While in hospital, Adrian benefitted from a range of Stars Appeal-funded enhanced facilities on the ICU, including state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated bathroom which helps patients with their rehabilitation, independence and recovery, which he described as being a "five-star" facility.

Adrian, who previously took part in Walk for Wards after his twin girls received care on the Hospital’s Neonatal Unit, said: "It is very difficult to come into Salisbury Hospital and not be touched by projects, equipment and facilities funded by the Stars Appeal. I want to raise money for the Stars Appeal as the charity benefits so many people in the local community."

To join Adrian and the hundreds of other walkers who have signed up to Walk for Wards, readers can visit www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards. Over 750 walkers have already signed up. It is free to register, and participants are asked to commit to raising at least £20 per person.