Run Norwich

Runner who suffered Cardiac Arrest at Run Norwich returns to run this year

As thousands of smiling runners poured over the finish line at Run Norwich 2017, a far graver scene was developing just a few hundred yards away.

53-year-old runner Tim Warner had suffered a cardiac arrest on Rampant Horse Street and medical staff were working furiously to save his life.

Alongside them was spectator Dale Gedge, an off-duty paramedic (from Aylsham), whose life-saving instincts kicked in as Tim collapsed in front of him; he was quickly over the barriers to Tim’s aid and was performing CPR within 30 seconds as event medics arrived with a defibrillator.

Thankfully, the story had a happy ending and Tim made a full recovery after major surgery for an unusual heart condition, which was discovered following his collapse.

After a lengthy recovery process, Tim will once again be on the start line for Run Norwich, this time side by side with Dale, his family, and cardiologist Dr Ian Williams as they raise funds for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation.

“Running in the race this year will help me psychologically as well as allowing me to give back to the Community Sports Foundation.

“The funds we raise will be used to help the Foundation build The Nest and to reach more people around the county, providing many more opportunities for people who may not otherwise get them.”

You can donate on Tim’s fundraising page here

Tim & Dale's life saving advice

As well as fundraising, Tim and Dale are keen to emphasise the importance of vital life-saving skills and preparing for the potentially hot conditions.

Life saving skills

If somebody is unresponsive and not breathing, call 999 and start chest compressions

Anybody can do CPR and use a defibrillator

Doing something is better than doing nothing, don’t worry about making the situation worse.

By starting CPR you are at least doubling that person’s chance of survival

You are most likely to witness a cardiac arrest of a family member or loved one, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to help?

‘Restart a heart’ day is on October 16th – look out for events taking place near you.

Hot weather

Stay hydrated and seek out the shade when spectating or before/after you run.

Start hydrating in the days leading up to the race and avoid alcohol the night before

Take advantage of the water stations on the route

Photos Ian Burt / CSF / Epic Action Imagery