A Mansfield Town supporter today met with club staff for the first time since they saved his life in March.
Stags' fan Howard Richardson, 66, suffered a cardiac arrest outside One Call Stadium an hour before Mansfield were set to face Carlisle United on 18 March 2017
Assistant groundsman Scott Merriman witnessed Mr Richardson collapse and rushed to place him in the recovery position, before calling club physiotherapist Dan Kett and sports therapist Lizzie Reed for assistance. Dan and Lizzie then performed CPR while they waited for paramedics to arrive.
Recollecting the incident, Mr Richardson said: "I remember walking along Quarry Lane, heading up the steps and said to my son 'I feel a bit dizzy'', I held my head and collapsed. That's the last thing I remember [about it]. The next thing I remember I was in King's Mill hospital."
After greeting the staff with a hamper of gifts, Mr Richardson said: "There are no words sufficient in praise of the staff. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. It's difficult to put into words.
"I was lucky that it happened at Mansfield Town Football Club, as strange as it sounds. There were professional people who could help me and keep me going until the ambulance arrived."
He added: "I have my season ticket for next season and look forward to cheering on the Stags."
Head physiotherapist Dan Kett said: "We're grateful Howard's with us here again and that he'll be here to watch the games next season.
"It makes us proud to have the training we have to use when called upon.
"Hopefully these situations are few and far between but it's satisfying to know that we can make a difference when required," he added.
