North-West London man who survived cardiac arrest becomes first to sign up for life-saving charity walk

A man from north-west London who survived a cardiac arrest while out running has become the first person to sign up for this year’s London Life Hike.

Rob Hutt, who was 59 at the time, collapsed last summer during a run near his home. Two other runners stopped to help, giving him CPR after calling 999 – an act that ultimately saved his life.

Rob, a dad of three and grandfather of three, said: “It’s a miracle I’m alive. Those strangers were responsible for that miracle. I’m taking part in this year’s London Life Hike so more miracles will happen and more lives will be saved.”

The event, organised by the London Ambulance Charity, takes place on Sunday 27 September. All funds raised will go towards installing defibrillators across London and training people in how to perform CPR.

Participants can choose from two scenic walking routes – a family-friendly 6km or a longer 21km through central London, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Rob, now recovering well, has signed up for the longer route.

He said: “When I collapsed I was really fit and healthy – I was training for a triathlon and hadn’t felt unwell. I have no memory of that day but I have since learned how lucky I am to be alive.”

When Rob collapsed last July, he had just finished a 15-mile bike ride. The London Ambulance Service call handler quickly recognised the emergency and instructed the callers on how to give chest compressions. The crew arrived and delivered two shocks with a defibrillator, which returned his heart to a normal rhythm. Rob was then taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma.

He said: “I was eventually discharged after a fortnight. Things are getting back to normal, I’m back at work, but I’m changed – I don’t put off what I want to do now. I’ve also become a very passionate advocate for learning CPR.

“Without CPR none of the other brilliant professionals would have been given the chance to save me. I know that giving CPR is scary but I want to reassure people that survivors can never truly express how grateful they are because there are simply not the words.

“It is the greatest gift you can give anyone. It saved my life and it means I can see my children and grandchildren. I have so much to live for.”

According to the London Ambulance Service, fewer than one in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest – but CPR and early defibrillation can more than double a person’s chances of survival.

Last year’s London Life Hike raised £25,000 – enough to fund 15 defibrillators for communities across the capital.

Dr Fenella Wrigley, Chief Medical Officer and acting Chief Executive of London Ambulance Service, said: “We have some of the fastest ambulance response times in the country for cardiac arrest patients but for patients like Rob, every second counts.

“Anyone can learn the simple skills to give someone a chance of life. By learning what to do, people will have the confidence to step up when it really matters.”

Jess Burgess, Head of London Ambulance Charity, added: “Rob is an inspiration and it is an honour for us that he is the first person to sign up for a place on the London Life Hike.

“His life was saved because people cared enough to make a difference – we can all make a difference! Please sign up to join us.”

The walk starts and ends at Southwark Park Bandstand. Alongside the walk, there will be CPR training, children’s activities, and a chance to see historic vehicles from London Ambulance Service’s collection.

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