A TAMWORTH athlete who collapsed on the track from a heart attack says his life was saved thanks to a defibrillator.

Now Tamworth Athletics Club stalwart John Culshaw, aged, 72, pictured, is hoping to raise cash to buy a similar machine for the club's Glascote base.

John, of Lakeside, has been running for the club since 1979 and was competing at an event in Nuneaton when he fell ill.

He had just finished sixth in the men's over-50s speed walk when he collapsed and his heart stopped.

A fireman and doctor from a nearby club rushed to his aid and administered CPR before a defibrillator was fetched from Pingles Leisure Centre.

John told the Herald: "Basically, I'm lucky to be alive. Apparently the arteries to my heart were blocked. I was diagnosed with angina in 1997, but had no symptoms and it did not need treatment."

"I was very, very lucky. Those people and the defibrillator saved my life that day and I would like to try to raise money to buy one for our club's Marlborough Way Stadium." The incident happened on August 12. John was rushed to Coventry's University Hospital where he underwent a triple heart bypass.

He is now recovering at home, walking three miles a day and doctors say he should be back competing within four months.

John, whose two sons John and Mark are also members of the club and who is strongly supported by wife Margaret, a former competitor, hopes to be 'up and running' again soon.

He said: "My vest had to be cut from me when I collapsed, and the club have bought me a new one – so they are expecting me back!"