Seven years ago this weekend, Roger Lomas was playing hockey at Abbeydale Sports Ground when he keeled over at half-time and suffered a cardiac arrest. As chairman of the squash side of the Yorkshire venue, Lomas had been involved in the installation of a defibrillator after a member had a fatal heart attack 10 years earlier.

It was this apparatus’ first and only use to date which saved Lomas’ life. 

One of the medics on hand happened to be playing hockey at the club that day. She later described it as the best ever result she had on a resuscitation. “She said you lose more people than who get through it and I was very lucky in that respect,” says Lomas, who is now playing over-75s hockey.

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