Case Study: Will - "I’m only alive because people didn’t hesitate"

Saturday 17 May 2025 started like any other Parkrun day for Will. He was up early, made a cup of tea, and went through his usual pre-run routine - a quick mental check that his body felt ready for the jog ahead. 

As a warm-up, he walked down to Wycombe Rye, looking forward to a familiar run in a place he knew well. Will had spent the winter fighting off a series of minor illnesses and was still rebuilding his fitness. By the time he reached the final stretch of the run, he felt tired and had to dig deep for the last sprint. As he crossed the finish line, he became light-headed. Moments later, Will collapsed.

The next thing he remembers is being told by a fellow runner, Victoria, that he had suffered a cardiac arrest. He had received two rounds of CPR and a single shock from a defibrillator.

That morning, Parkrun became something extraordinary. Among the crowd were a cardiac nurse, two off-duty paramedics and a doctor. An AED was close at hand, and staff from Wycombe Rye Lido, where another defibrillator is located, rushed to help. 

Because people recognised cardiac arrest and knew what to do, Will’s heart was restarted before the ambulance arrived. “I’m only alive because people didn’t hesitate,” Will says. “They knew CPR, they knew how to use a defibrillator, and they acted immediately.” 

Thanks to that rapid response, and the care of the cardiology team at Wexham Park Hospital, Will’s recovery has been remarkable. Just two weeks later, he returned to Parkrun to thank those who had saved his life. The following week, he walked the course. 

Recently, he completed his 100th Parkrun milestone. But for Will, the biggest milestones aren’t measured in kilometres. “I’ve had another birthday. Another Christmas,” he says. “More time with my wife, my daughters, and my grandchildren. CPR gave me more life.” 

Will’s story is a powerful reminder that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone. Learn how to give lifesaving CPR and use a defibrillator with Resuscitation Council UK’s free resources.