A POPULAR family attraction in Honeybourne is grateful for the fast-acting responses of emergency services that saved its Father Christmas.
Quick-thinking Pebworth fire firefighters and a crew from The Air Ambulance Service were instrumental in giving lifesaving care to Roger Clarke when he suffered a major heart episode last summer.
Roger, who lives in the village, is well known for donning the red suit for All Things Wild every December, something he has done for more than ten years.
The 77-year-old was enjoying a typical evening at The Gate Inn on July 2 when his day took an extraordinary turn.
Roger Clarke from Honeybourne. s
After finishing a friendly pool tournament, Roger suddenly began to feel unwell.
“I suddenly felt hot, sweaty and really unwell,” he said. “I lost the game and just headed for the door.”
Moments later, he collapsed outside the pub.
Bystanders rushed to help and by sheer coincidence, a Pebworth fire crew happened to be driving past at that moment.
Sam O’Brien, station commander at Pebworth takes up the story: “The crew witnessed a member of the public collapse and immediately rendered assistance.
“It quickly became clear he was in cardiac arrest, and they began CPR and used a defibrillator.
“Their swift and professional response within seconds was truly lifesaving.”
Recognising Roger needed further support, the fire crew called the Air Ambulance Service and within four minutes, a crew had arrived on scene.
“They brought me back to life on the fourth shock,” said Roger.
“They’re fantastic. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Roger was taken to Worcester Royal Hospital, where surgeons renewed two stents, inserted a new one in another artery and fitted him with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator – an electrical device that manages abnormal heart rhythms.
Now fully recovered, he has regained his strength and has been able to perform his most important role of the year at Santa’s Grotto in the animal and dinosaur park in Station Road.
And Vicky Faller of All Things Wild couldn’t be happier.
“Huge thanks to the Pebworth Fire Crew, The Air Ambulance Service and everyone involved in helping Roger.
“We’re over the moon to say he’s been back in the red suit for two weeks already, doing what he does best.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming many more families to see him this Christmas,” she said.
Roger and family. s
A crew member for The Air Ambulance Service added: “This incident shows how vital early intervention and teamwork are, from bystanders and the fire crew to our paramedics and doctors.
“Every link in the chain plays a part in saving a life and we’re incredibly proud to have been there to help Roger when he needed it most.”
With eight grandchildren and countless children who have enjoyed seeing him this Christmas, Roger said he’s never been more grateful to be back.
“It’s just wonderful to see all the smiles on the children’s faces,” he added.
