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Couple full of praise for lifesaver Lesley

Alice McKeegan
5/ 7/2008

THE swift reactions of a nurse watching a charity football match saved a player’s life when he collapsed on the pitch.

Bernard Brophy stopped breathing after suffering a massive heart attack during the match in Wardle while playing for Sudden Social Club.

Lesley Vickery, 47, a nurse who works at the Infirmary, was on the touchline watching her partner, Charlie Holt, play and immediately rushed onto the pitch to resuscitate Mr Brophy.

Despite the chaotic scenes unfolding around her, Lesley stayed calm and kept him breathing until paramedics arrived to rush him to hospital.

Doctors told his family that Lesley’s actions probably helped to save his life.

On arrival at the Infirmary’s A&E unit, the 50-year-old father-of-two suffered a second heart attack and was transferred to the coronary care unit, followed by the Silver Heart Unit.

He underwent a procedure to repair damaged arteries and he is now at home, recovering well after his ordeal.

Mr Brophy said: "I owe everything to Lesley and to the staff at the Infirmary.

"Without her, I wouldn’t be here and she was amazing. I’d like to say a massive thank you to her."

Mrs Brophy, 49, added: "Without Lesley, I’d be without a husband. His life was in the balance and we were so lucky that this lady did what she did.

"It was quite an ordeal but we were very fortunate. We would like to sincerely thank each and every person involved in his care for the part they played in his recovery.

"Our story has a happy ending and we will always be eternally grateful for the superb treatment my husband received from them."

Mr Brophy and his wife, Philomena, of Pleasant Street, Castleton, were so grateful to Lesley that decided to thank their ‘guardian angel’ in person and present her with a card and shopping vouchers.

It was an emotional reunion and the couple paid tribute to the professionalism of the staff who helped to rebuild his confidence and wellbeing.

Ms Vickery said: "I don’t know exactly what happened to Bernard.

"He just seemed to collapse and I just did what came naturally.

"I don’t think of myself as a heroine, but it was quite frightening. It was the first time I’d performed CPR outside work, but I’m pleased Bernard is doing well.

"It was great to see him doing so well and hopefully we will stay in touch."