Rugby player who suffered cardiac arrest says teammates saved his life

Nigel Blacklock, 55, collapsed suddenly at St Benedict’s Rugby Union in Whitehaven last Friday while training with ‘Tubby Rubby’ – a team for men hoping to get fit.

Players rushed to Mr Blacklock’s aid and began giving CPR before a defibrillator at the club was used to resuscitate him.

Shakira Pettigrew, an NHS worker who was working behind the bar at the St Benedict’s clubhouse, assisted Mr Blacklock and helped calm the other players.

Nigel Blacklock was taking part in a training session for 'Tubby Rubby' at St Benedict's Rugby Union in Whitehaven (Image: Submitted)

Mr Blacklock, who is currently recovering from the ordeal at the West Cumberland Hospital after being treated in the intensive care unit, says he can’t remember anything from that day but has expressed thanks to everyone who helped him.   

He said: “I’ve been told the lads were giving me chest compressions. It’s absolutely brilliant. They are a great bunch of lads anyways. There’s a great morale between everyone. They’ve been to see me.  

“I owe them my life. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. I think defibrillators should be everywhere. I can’t thank the lads and Shakira enough.”

Mr Blacklock, who lives in Egremont, is now awaiting an angiogram at the Cumberland Infirmary to try and find out what caused the cardiac arrest.

He said he has been playing rugby since he was at school and decided to start playing for ‘Tubby Rubby’ after one of his friends joined.

Mr Blacklock said the incident had not put him off playing and he is eager to get back on the pitch.

Nigel Blacklock with his 'Tubby Rubby' teammates who helped save his life after he went into cardiac arrest on the pitch (Image: Submitted)

Carl ‘Wammo’ Walmsley, who set up ‘Tubby Rubby’ said: “Since starting Tubby FC and Tubby Rubby, this has always been one of my worst fears.

“On what is without a doubt one of the worst experiences most of us on the field have ever experienced I would like to take this opportunity to sing the praises of each and every single one of the players for stepping up and doing their part to help one of their own during this scary, difficult time. 

“CPR from the very off and throughout, followed by the quick use of the St Benedict's RU defib 100 per cent saved Nigel's life.

“I would also like to thank the ambulance staff and the police who were fantastic with us on arrival and Shakira, who came out and used her hospital experience to not just help Nigel but calm us all down.

“I can't stress enough how important defibs are and strongly believe there should be one within five minutes of absolutely everywhere. I was lucky enough to have done my first aid course recently through work or I wouldn't have had a clue where to start.

“I'm so pleased I took that course and 100 per cent recommend everyone to take the opportunity if possible.

“I would just like to say a big get well soon to Nigel, from us all at Tubby Rubby, We can't wait to have you back down with us. A genuinely lovely fella who we all have the utmost respect for.”

St Benedict's Rugby Union have since arranged defibrillator training for all members and a defibrillator case is being donated by TDA so it can be situated outside by the pitch.