A GRATEFUL woman whose family were forced to say their goodbyes after she collapsed on a treadmill has thanked the quick-thinking gym staff who saved her life.

Vicky Jacobs suffered a cardiac arrest while working out at the Bannatyne Health Club, in Grange Way, Colchester, before spending two weeks in an induced coma.

Luckily the gym is equipped with a defibrillator which was used by other members and general manager Julia Osterwald to save Vicky’s life.

The gymgoer, who was just 52 at the time, said: “I can’t remember anything at all after I collapsed, but I do know that Julia and a couple of fellow members saved my life by administering CPR and the defibrillator.

“I don’t smoke, ate well, had a low BMI, and exercised regularly so it was a huge shock to be taken ill so suddenly.

“After I had been in an induced coma for around two weeks, my family was called to say their goodbyes. My mum held my hand and at that moment I woke up – a second miracle.”

Gazette: Recognition - Julia Osterwald (left) was presented with a certificate by Colchester mayor John JowersRecognition - Julia Osterwald (left) was presented with a certificate by Colchester mayor John Jowers (Image: Bannatyne)

Vicky is now back training at the health club most days after being fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator – a small device which can treat people with dangerously abnormal heart rhythms.

Health club boss and Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne has invested in lifesaving kit for all his sites.

“I am so glad Vicky has made such a good recovery from her traumatic experience,” said Mr Bannatyne.

“It is a salutary warning that this sort of medical incident can happen to anyone, however fit they might be.

“I am a huge advocate of having defibrillators in health clubs and gyms and strongly believe every site should have one, together with trained staff always on site should they need to be deployed.”

Julia has since received a certificate in recognition of her lifesaving actions which was presented to her by Colchester mayor John Jowers, who visited the club to hear Vicky’s story.

General manager Julia added: “The paramedics thanked us afterwards and said that without our efforts, or the defib, Vicky would not have made it.”