A HEART attack victim who "died" for 20 minutes believes a man who gave him vital CPR saved his life.
Barry Dales, 58, admits he was relieved to be able to spend Christmas with his family after collapsing in Hessle Road on December 3.
Delivery driver Mr Dales, of Sedbergh Avenue, west Hull, was loading a van at Maltby's pet food store when he collapsed.
A worker at the store, known only to Mr Dales as Carl, gave him CPR until the paramedics arrived.
Mr Dales, 58, said: "I was loading up at the back of the van and I just went. The next thing I knew I was in hospital and it was five days later.
"I have been told Carl ran to my aid and gave me CPR until the ambulance arrived.
"It took the paramedics 20 minutes to bring me round.
"The paramedic who helped save me visited me in hospital and told me they were surprised I came round and they were about ready to give up on me."
Mr Dales believes he is only here now because of Carl's quick actions. He said: "There is no doubt in my mind Carl saved my life.
"I don't think the paramedics would have worked on me without Carl carrying out CPR.
"I owe him my life.
"It isn't just about saving my life but the impact it has had on my whole family."
Mr Dales admits the festive season has been somewhat mixed.
He said: "I was in Castle Hill Hospital for three weeks but I got out on the Saturday before Christmas.
"It has been a very strange Christmas. By rights, I shouldn't be here.
"It hasn't been easy. I normally cook but my wife has had to do everything and it's really frustrating just to be lying around.
"But I am lucky to be here and be able to see in the new year.
"I'm thankful for that.
"Seeing my son Mathew has made it all worthwhile and I'm glad I was here for him this Christmas."
Mr Dales, who also broke his ankle during his collapse, suffers from asthma and diabetes but has never had a problem with his heart.
He said: "This came out of the blue and I have never had anything like this before.
"It's weird the way things work. One day you're at work and the next you wake up in hospital having nearly died."
Mr Dales, a father of six, has praised his employer Yodel, who bought his son Mathew
Mr Dales said: "I am only an agency driver, so Yodel has no obligation towards me.
"What they did was way beyond the call of duty and was fantastic.
"I will be out of action for six months because I have a defibrillator fitted but I've been told I should have a job when I return."
His wife Sandra, 48, admits it has been a very difficult month.
She said: "I was in bits. I thought I'd lost him. The doctors didn't seem too hopeful at first.
"They didn't know if he was brain damaged due to the lack of oxygen to his brain.
"It has been a hectic Christmas and new year but we are just so glad to have Barry here with us.
"I can't thank Carl and the paramedics enough.
"Barry's mum rang up Carl to thank him and Barry will go and see him when he is well enough."
