Miracle as group of men save Sheffield dad’s life after he collapsed on golf course

Three golfers took turns to give CPR to 63-year-old John Anderson after he collapsed with a suspected heart attack on the course.

Grateful son Callum Anderson has launched an appeal to buy a defibrillator for the club after the men almost certainly saved his dad’s life before an ambulance arrived.

Callum 27, said: “My dad had been playing golf at the Hillsborough Golf Club.

“He was on the first tee. He took his shot and as he was walking up to the ball he became really out of breath and collapsed.

“He had a heart a attack and went into cardiac arrest.

“His heart stopped beating completely.”

Fortunately “by some miracle” golfers Carl Pagden, Matt Shaw and Kevin Goss went to his aid and they continued to do CPR between them for about 10 minutes until the ambulance arrived.

Callum said the ambulance crew had to gown up because of covid-19 rules and so the men continued with CPR .

“As soon as the ambulance crew took over they shocked him with a defibrillator and brought him back instantly,” said Callum.

“They said if it hadn’t have been for the guys giving CPR for the period of time that my dad wouldn’t be here with us.

After an emotional meeting with the trio who saved his dad’s life, Callum added: "I just wanted to personally thank them – they kept a family whole.”

Cardiac arrest happens suddenly and often the only chance of survival is having access to a defibrillator nearby.

Every second counts and as each minute passes without help, it causes an increased risk of fatality.

Callum said: “My dad had an operation on June 1 to have a defibrillator fitted into his chest and is now back home with us doing well

“I want to help provide them with some money towards a defibrillator. This was hands down the worst feeling in my life and I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through this. If we can help to provide Hillsborough golf club with some funds towards one then, maybe, we could all be contributing to saving a life if this happens again.”

You can support the defibrillator appeal here

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