Man who suffered cardiac arrest to run Dublin Marathon

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

A man whose heart stopped for four minutes while running is taking on the Dublin Marathon after recovering from cardiac arrest.

Noel Williamson, 60, from Portglenone originally but now living in Co Meath, collapsed while training at St Andrew's Athletic Club on 16 July last year. He suffered a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest, with his heart stopping for four minutes. Fellow club members, including a doctor and a nurse, immediately performed CPR and used the club's defibrillator whilst waiting for an ambulance. His heart had to be restarted again on the journey to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin.

At the hospital, medical staff told Williamson they had little hope he would survive when first admitted, as the survival rate after cardiac arrest is just 3%. Tests revealed he had four blocked arteries. He underwent a quadruple bypass five days after admission. Williamson later discovered he had a genetic heart condition, despite being fit and healthy, not drinking or smoking, eating well and exercising regularly.

Williamson is now taking on the Dublin Marathon. He has said he was fortunate that other club members were present during his collapse, noting he had often run at the track when no one else was around.

How it is being reported

• ‘I’m lucky to be alive’: Co Antrim man whose heart stopped for four minutes to take on Dublin Marathon for NI charityNoel Williamson suffered cardiac arrest last JulyBelfast Telegraph · 13 Oct, 06:25
• 'I died for four minutes while out running but now I’m taking on a marathon'Noel never dreamed he would have a heart attack or cardiac arrest; he was fit and healthy, but later found out he had a genetic condition.Belfast Live · 12 Oct, 22:12

In this story: Noel Williamson · St Andrew's Athletic Club · Co Meath · Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin · Dublin

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