A gym-goer who suffered a heart attack during a workout in Kings Hill has been reunited with the staff and ambulance crews who saved his life.

Steve Beal collapsed at the David Lloyd gym in Kings Hill in June and went into cardiac arrest.

His training partner Matt Carter and gym staff shocked him with a defibrillator to restart his heart.

The 47-year-old, who lives in Kings Hill, was then treated by paramedics before being airlifted to the William Harvey Hospital, in Ashford, where he was fitted with two stents.

Mr Beal said: “The first thing I remember is waking up the next morning in hospital with friends telling me what had happened.

“At first I didn’t believe a word of it. It was just incredible what everyone did. I’m so grateful.

“From the first moments, the treatment I received from the staff to the ambulance crews and my treatment at hospital was wonderful. Every breath I take now is a bonus.”

During the reunion at David Lloyd, in Kings Hill Avenue, Mr Beal met South East Coast Ambulance service clinician Phil Parrish who attended the scene on June 26 along with his colleagues.

"The first thing I remember is waking up the next morning in hospital with friends telling me what had happened" - Steve Beal

Mr Parrish said: “The action of everyone at the scene prior to our arrival was vital in giving Steve the best chance of survival and shows how important it is that people take the opportunity to learn CPR.

“We’re really pleased to be helping to deliver the training, the importance of which is only magnified by Steve’s involvement.”

Mr Beal also added his support to Restart a Heart, which takes place next month.

The Europe-wide initiative will see SECAmb staff, volunteers and fellow clinicians teach life-saving CPR skills to some 13,000 young people in the week leading up to Restart a Heart day on October 16.

Mr Parrish said: “It was great for everyone to meet Steve again in better circumstances. On behalf of all my colleagues I’d like to wish him all the best for the future.”