Thanks to the life-saving actions of SECAmb clinicians, Cheltenham man, Pat Cox, continues to celebrate 50 years of marriage with his wife Drena and got to see his granddaughter graduate university. 
Now 71-years-old, Pat, and his wife, Drena, recently visited our Tangmere Make Ready Centre where they met with Paramedic, Ashley Carter, and Emergency Care Support Worker (ECSW), Hannah Williams – the ambulance crew who saved his life after a heart attack.
On 22 May 2025, Pat was playing a round of golf at The Kennels golf course in Goodwood when he began experiencing pain in his chest and upper back and his breathing became difficult.
A member of staff at the golf club dialled 999 and eight minutes later, Ashley and Hannah arrived on scene. The crew managed to stabilise Pat and took him to Queen Alexandra Hospital where he spent four days recovering.
Three months on, Pat has, with the aid of a buggy, been able to play golf, attend his granddaughter Georgia’s graduation and celebrate his wife Drena’s 70th birthday with friends and family.
Pat said: “It was really important for me to meet with Ashley and Hannah as without them, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m forever grateful to them for their quick action and compassion – it means I’ve been able to enjoy many more moments with my family.”
Drena added: “From all our family, we can’t thank Ashley and Hannah enough for their actions. Without them, the outcome could have been very different, and I’m so pleased we got to meet them and say thank you. What you do is truly amazing!”
Ashley said: “This is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a patient again, so it made this reunion even more special. It was wonderful to see Pat and Drena and see how well he is doing.”
Hannah said: “It was lovely to meet Pat and Drena again and to hear the milestones they’ve been able to celebrate since. It’s things like this that are a special reminder of the difference we make, and I wish them all the best for the future.”
The British Heart Foundation provide information on the symptoms of a heart attack to look out for and what to do in an emergency. Find out more by clicking here.