A BURY sportsman who survived a cardiac arrest thanks to the lifesaving skills of three people is spearheading a fundraising drive to buy a defibrillator for a cricket club John Rogerson stopped breathing after collapsing while playing crown green bowls at Seedfield in August.

After being given mouth-to-mouth and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from three players, paramedics deployed a defibrillator before he was taken to Fairfield Hospital.

The 70-year-old later underwent a quadruple heart bypass in Manchester Royal Infirmary and made such a good recovery he was well enough to be discharged five days after the surgery.

Now, Mr Rogerson is hosting a fundraising race night at Elton Cricket Club in Leigh Lane on Saturday December 7, starting at 7pm.

He hopes to raise £1,000 which will fund the buying of a defibrillator for the club.

With the equipment costing around £800, the father-of-three is hopeful that any surplus money could go towards purchasing another defibrillator to be used elsewhere in the community.

Recalling the drama of four months ago, he said: “I bowl for Elton Cricket Club and in August was playing at Seedfield. Although I can’t personally remember what happened, it appeared I was suffering sweats. After I was given water, I said I was all right and returned to the game. But as my opponent bowled the jack, I ended up on the floor.”

Bowling captain Yvonne Floyd, together with fellow bowlers Kevan Vaughan and Geoff Liddle, rushed to Mr Rogerson’s aid and gave him vital CPR and mouth to mouth resuscitation. He added: “Apparently, I had turned blue and had stopped breathing. My heart had stopped. The ambulance arrived quite quickly and they applied the defibrillator and rushed me to hospital. I’d never had anything like this before as I’d always been in good health and a fit chap. Thankfully, after my surgery, I’m now doing well.”

Mr Rogerson, of Greenway Close, added: “When I was in hospital, I said I wanted to have a number of charity events so I get a defibrillator for every bowling club in Bury. But I later realised that would take a lot of money.”

The race night will also include raffles, tombola, an auction and food. Entry is free.

n Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the defibrillator fundraising can email paulanelson01@sky.com