Pensioner back in pool after staff turned into lifesavers

A PENSIONER has returned to a North Yorkshire pool for swimming sessions after staff helped save her life when she suffered a heart attack.

Ann Hunter also paid tribute to the swift actions of duty manager Gareth James. She says he saved her life when she collapsed at Stokesley Leisure Centre six months ago after taking her regular daily swim.

The retired pub landlady, who lives in Stokesley, was showering after leaving the pool when she collapsed but Mr James, who is a trained first aider, stepped in to help resuscitate her.

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She was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where she underwent surgery.

Now, Mrs Hunter has returned to the leisure centre pool to start swimming again regularly.

The grandmother said: "Gareth saved my life. I would not be here if it wasn't for him. I had wonderful care from him, the paramedics and the hospital staff.

"And there were cards and good wishes from all my family and friends, as well as all the swimmers I know from Stokesley Leisure Centre. They have all helped me get better.

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"I am now back swimming and feeling good – progress is slow but sure, but I am getting there."

Efforts have been stepped up in recent years to ensure that all Hambleton's leisure centre staff are trained in life-saving. In 2008, they were shown how to use defibrillators by paramedics.

Centre manager Mike Readman said he hoped such first aid skills would never be called on.