Video: Rugby’s Adrian Purtell returns to hospital that treated his heart attack

Adrian Purtell is now back on the field after making a full recovery.

He was delighted to see cardiologist John Greenwood at Leeds General Infirmary, where the Bradford Bulls player underwent a procedure after becoming ill during a Magic Weekend match.

Mr Purtell said: “It was pretty special. I just said thanks, as I’m very grateful. I will forever be in his debt.”

The Australian was on the coach back from the game in Manchester last May when he suffered a burning sensation across his chest, then started being sick.

Medics treated him during the journey and the coach stopped at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

He was transferred to LGI where he had an angioplasty to unblock a coronary artery.

Within six weeks of leaving hospital, he was running on a treadmill and was given the all clear in November.

Mr Purtell, now an ambassador for Leeds-based charity Heart Research UK, last saw Dr Greenwood the day after his surgery, and the medic said he was very pleased at his recovery.

“He said he doesn’t like seeing people on his operating table who are younger than him,” the player said.

He has now played 10 matches in a row and said he was looking forward to his next.

“I am feeling pretty confident,” he said. I am looking forward and I’m feeling really good.”

Mr Purtell also visited the Children’s Heart Surgery Unit, where he met families and young patients.

“It’s very humbling to see these kids who are so young but have been through so much in their lives already,” he said. “It makes you feel grateful for being so lucky.”