by Lewis Dyson

A well-known Sheppey woman had to relive being told her sister had died after a collapse made her lose her memory.

Agnes Stupple is recovering at home after she had a cardiac arrest in Bridge Road, Sheerness, on May 25.

The 84-year-old was returning from her sister Margaret Johnson's funeral in Scotland with her husband Alf when she collapsed near the bus stop.

She has no recollection of being told about her sibling's death from cancer.

Agnes said doctors at Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, were about to stop trying to resuscitate her before the final attempt was successful.

"When I came to the person I was talking to was my sister who died. I had no memory of being at her funeral," she said.

The chairman of the Sheppey Senior Fellowship was discharged on Friday and is now home in Porter Close, Minster, where she has received more than 100 cards from well-wishers.

She is awaiting the installation of a stairlift and a ramp to be laid enabling easy access for her wheelchair.

Agnes, a volunteer at Scope in High Street, Sheerness, said she could not emphasise enough the support friends and family had given her.

The former Samaritan said she was more grateful than words can say to her "saviour" Daren Tidbury, Port of Sheerness health and safety manager, who was passing and performed CPR with a paramedic until an ambulance arrived.

She said: "A thousand thank yous to him for saving my life. I will never ever forget him. He was absolutely brilliant and there were two young ladies who were helping as well. I will always be indebted to those people."

Agnes and Alf, 85, plan to meet Daren when she feels better.

The mother of seven was re-elected as chairman of Sheppey Senior Fellowship this year after 19 years in the position.

She accepted the role and hopes to return when she is feeling better.

The family also has strong connections to Sheppey Rugby Club, Lower Road, Minster, where Alf is an honorary life member and Agnes is known for her famous hot pot.