A man who collapsed on a rowing machine in front of his wife at a gym has returned to thank staff for saving his life.

Martin Stoate, from Tonbridge, fell backwards after suffering a cardiac arrest before staff at the Angel Centre, in Angel Lane, sprung into action on the morning of February 14.

The tmactive staff administered CPR and used the defibrillator several times to bring the 66-year-old back to consciousness before the paramedics arrived.

Mr Stoate, a retired telecommunications consultant, was treated for more than an hour before he was stable enough to be taken to hospital.

He said: “I was feeling fine on my way to the gym and about 15 minutes into my session, I went on the rowing machine and apparently collapsed and fell backwards.

“I remember nothing of this but it was fairly traumatic for my wife, who was also at the gym that morning.

“I don’t remember anything until I came round in the Intensive Care Unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, just over 24 hours later, when they brought me out of an induced coma and off the ventilator.”

Mr Stoate’s sudden cardiac arrest was due to left ventricular failure, causing his heart to go into a severe arrhythmia. He remained in hospital for three weeks.

He said: “I’m very grateful for the speed and professionalism the centre staff delivered to save my life. If they had not had a defibrillator on site and persevered in their efforts to resuscitate me, I would not be here today.”

Mr Stoate has returned to the Angel Centre to start the Cardiac Rehabilitation Course, which is run in conjunction with cardiac nurses. He plans to resume his gym training following the six week course.

He said: “I have been in to meet the people involved on that day to thank them personally. In addition to the practical help given to me, I would also like to thank the Angel Centre staff for the care and emotional support they gave to my wife who was quite distressed by what happened.”

Bradley Watson, Health and Fitness Manager at tmactive, said: “It’s amazing to see how far Martin has progressed in such a short space of time. Looking at Martin today, it’s hard to believe we were fighting to save his life only a couple of months ago.

“I would personally like to wish Martin and his family a long, healthy and happy future.”