A Glasgow runner who survived a cardiac arrest during a race last year is coming back to compete in the same event a year later.
Seasoned runner Stephen Lappin, 60, collapsed at the end of the 3k on the Green race on April 26 last year.
He was able to survive the ordeal thanks to the efforts of fellow runners who performed CPR and used a nearby defibrillator.
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Stephen said: "Because it was a short 3k race, I went for it.
"When I finished, I looked at the data on my watch which said I had achieved a personal best, suddenly I felt tired and the next thing I was gone.
"People told me that I collapsed spectacularly and got everyone’s attention.
"Someone went to fetch the defibrillator, and I understand that I had several minutes of CPR and then one shock from the defibrillator.
"The fact that the defib was there, so close to me, is the reason why I am here today."
The defibrillator was registered, allowing an emergency call handler to provide the code to unlock its box for use.
Stephen, who has been given the all-clear to run again, will be joined by friends and family at the event on Friday, April 25.
He said: "I wanted to carry on running.
"It’s a good healthy thing to do, but I recognise that I’ll never be as fast or as fit as I was.
"When I run now there’s a bit of trepidation, but I’m not pushing myself.
"I do gentler runs now, where the general rule is, if you find you can’t talk, you are running too fast."
The father-of-two does not know what caused his sudden cardiac arrest, but he has since had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted and now takes statins and beta blockers.
Alasdair Murray, organiser of 3k on the Green, said: "It’s amazing, and a huge relief, to see Stephen back here and a testament to his recovery and determination not to let this stop him.
"I am so relieved that he came through it, and we are fortunate that there was a defibrillator close by which was registered on the circuit - but it’s not a day I would like to repeat.
“When it happened there seemed to be little sense of panic and those around chipped in to help.
"People did what they had to do, and we were fortunate that a couple of runners were off-duty medics who were also able to assist.”
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Since Alasdair took over organising the event in 2011, the run has raised more than £18,000, with the £2 entry fee donated to a variety of charities.
All proceeds from this month’s run have been donated to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in recognition of Stephen.
David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said: "Well done to Stephen for his bravery and positive attitude after what must have been a traumatic incident.
"We at the BHF have also been inspired by his efforts to raise awareness about the importance of making sure all defibs are registered on the Circuit.”
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