A member of staff at RAF Coningsby is to take on a half-marathon to raise funds for the emergency medical charity that helped him survive a cardiac arrest earlier this year.

Stuart Burgham, a clerk in the station’s Training and Development Flight team, fell ill at home in May. With no warning signs and no earlier symptoms, the 54-year-old collapsed while watching TV with his wife, Sarah.

Recognising that something was seriously wrong, Sarah immediately called 999 and began CPR while awaiting emergency support.

Volunteer responders from the Lincolnshire-based emergency medical charity LIVES arrived within minutes and took over life-saving treatment, before ambulance crews and specialist medical teams reached the scene.

Stuart Burgham, of RAF Coningsby, and his wife Sarah. Picture: AS1 Amelia Wise

placeholder image — Stuart Burgham, of RAF Coningsby, and his wife Sarah. Picture: AS1 Amelia Wise

Following multiple cardiac arrests and several weeks in hospital, Stuart underwent surgery to receive an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), a device capable of monitoring and correcting potentially life-threatening heart rhythms. Despite extensive tests, medical specialists have been unable to find the cause of his cardiac arrest.

Stuart, who lives in Woodhall Spa and previously served for more than 22 years as a member of the Royal Air Force Police, said: “I had absolutely no symptoms beforehand. Earlier that weekend I had been running, exercising and carrying on as normal. One minute I was sitting watching television and the next I was unconscious. Without Sarah's quick actions and the support from LIVES, I simply wouldn't be here today.”

After spending time in intensive care and cardiology wards, Stuart returned to work at RAF Coningsby on a phased basis last month.

“It's been really good to get back to work and get back to some sense of normality,” he said. “I’ve still got some recovery ahead of me, but being back with colleagues has made a real difference.”

LEFT: Stuart in training for the Lincoln Half Marathon. TOP RIGHT: Stuart in an induced coma at Lincoln County Hospital. BOTTOM RIGHT: Stuart and Sarah with Lisa Hunt (left) and Mia Bojen-Taylor, from LIVES (PICTURE: AS1 Amelia).

Determined to give something back, Stuart has signed up to take part in the Lincoln Half Marathon in October in support of LIVES.

He said: “I didn’t originally plan to return to distance running this soon, but when I heard LIVES were looking for people to raise awareness and funds, I wanted to help.

“Whether I run the whole distance or run and walk doesn’t matter. I just want to complete it and raise as much money as possible for an organisation that played such a huge role in saving my life.”

Stuart also paid tribute to his wife, the emergency responders who treated him, and the support he received from friends, family and colleagues across RAF Coningsby and the wider RAF community.

Donations in support of his effort can be made via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-burgham-6

Sqn Ldr Clare, Officer Commanding in the Force Development Squadron, said: “We’re all incredibly proud of Stu for taking on this challenge for LIVES – the Lincolnshire charity whose volunteers support our community with rapid medical aid before ambulance crews arrive and who were pivotal in saving his life.

“Most people celebrate a second chance at life with a holiday, but Stu has decided to take on a half-marathon instead. This choice really is no surprise to anyone who works with him, and as his recovery progresses it’s brilliant to see him channel his renewed energy into raising money for a fantastic charity.”