A Tayside grandfather has told how he was brought back from the dead after collapsing during a kickabout.
David Hutcheon, 68, from Carnoustie, said he was “gone” before two female leisure centre workers ran to his aid with a defibrillator.
Mr Hutcheon needed emergency triple bypass surgery and said he will forever be grateful to the quick actions of staff at Arbroath Sports Centre.
“My heart stopped during the game and the lads put me in the recovery position and went for help,” said Mr Hutcheon.
“There was a defibrillator in the building and I wouldn’t be here to tell the tale if it wasn’t for the two leisure centre workers.”
He said the pair immediately started CPR before applying the defibrillator to his chest which managed to re-start his heart.
“I remember that it was like somebody trying to wake me up in the morning by giving me a good thump,” he said.
“I woke up just before the paramedics arrived.
“Seconds really counted – another two minutes and I wouldn’t have made it.”
The footy-mad pensioner has been playing five-a-side for the past 30 years.
He was enjoying a Friday afternoon game with regulars from the Westport Bar in Arbroath when he took ill.
“I’m not as quick as I used to be so I play in goal,” he said.
“I just remember feeling there was no strength in my hands and I collapsed.
“Apparently I got back up before collapsing again although I have no recollection of that happening.”
He was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where medics ran a series of tests which confirmed three arteries were blocked.
Mr Hutcheon, who latterly worked as a taxi driver in Arbroath before retiring, was transferred to Edinburgh Royal for a triple bypass operation.
He is now starting physio and said he wanted to highlight the importance of heart-start machines in public places.
The married dad-of-two, who also has two grandchildren, said he also plans to go back to Arbroath Sports Centre when he is well again to thank the two women who came to his aid.
Despite his ordeal on the pitch, Mr Hutcheon has no plans to hang up his goalkeeping gloves and one of the first things he asked his doctor was if he would be able to play football again.
“I have always dreamed of playing football until I was 70,” he said.
“The doctor said I would be able to play again when I get back to health which was great news.
“I’m not sure I’d play again every week but I’d love to step on the pitch at the age of 70 and achieve my dream.”
