Grandmother's thanks for 'second chance at life'

A grandmother has said she was given "a second chance at life" after call handlers talked her husband and grandson through CPR when she fell ill.

Linda Nevell, 67, suffered a cardiac arrest at her Gravesend home in November, just hours after returning from a work Christmas dinner in London.

She was reunited with the South East Coast Ambulance (Secamb) team who helped save her but said she remembered nothing from the day when she collapsed.

Her husband of 17 years, Pip, and her grandson, immediately started CPR under the guidance of 999 call handler Niamh Capeling, a spokesperson said.

Mrs Nevell said: "I wouldn't be here today without my incredible husband, grandson, the 999-call handler who guided them, and the amazing ambulance crew.

"I can't thank them enough for everything they did to give me a second chance at life."

The Secamb team worked "tirelessly" to restart Mrs Nevell's heart before she was taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, where she later suffered two heart attacks.

She spent two weeks in a coma and a total of 10 weeks in hospital before being well enough to return home.

She and her husband visited Dartford ambulance station to thank the Secamb colleagues who helped to save her life.

Ms Capeling said: "Linda's family's quick actions made all the difference that night.

"It's wonderful to see Linda looking so well and it reminds us all why we do this job."

Paramedic Kelly Hassett described Mrs Nevell as "a miracle" and "a fantastic woman".

The couple, who are both freemasons, have organised CPR and defibrillator training at their Kent lodges.

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