Man from Woodhall Spa runs half marathon months after cardiac arrest

Stuart Burgham from Woodhall Spa is gearing up for the Lincoln Half Marathon to raise funds for the charity that helped save his life.

In May this year, Burgham, 54, suffered a cardiac arrest without warning while watching television at his home in Woodhall Spa.

His wife, Sarah, initiated CPR immediately, and volunteers from the Lincolnshire emergency response charity LIVES arrived within minutes to assist before taking him to hospital.

Stuart said: "Everything LIVES does for Lincolnshire is through their charity, they don't get any funding. . So to have a charity who are on your doorstep, who are willing to step in and help at people's darkest times when they need help the most is beyond words to me.

"I just wish I could give more back for them".

Following the cardiac arrest and spending weeks in hospital, Burgham received an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) to monitor his heart rhythms but remains unaware of the cause behind his cardiac arrest.

Burgham signed up for the Lincolnshire Half Marathon to support LIVES, and to show appreciation for their swift response. Stuart said: "The important thing for me was to give something back to LIVES who were amazing in my journey to survival.

"I didn't plan to run long distances again so soon, but when LIVES asked for fundraisers, I couldn't say no," Burgham said.

Whether he completes the marathon running or walking, Burgham is determined to raise as much money as possible for the charity that played a pivotal role in saving his life.

The Lincoln Half Marathon today will be Stuart's 78th official half marathon, but he says it's the one he has felt most nervous for. Stuart says: "The training's been pretty steady. My longer runs have been pretty horrible, but I think in my head, I'm psychologically doubting myself, can I do this?".