A 63-year-old hospital porter has completed his 100th marathon after recovering from a heart attack.
Jim Waddell, from Gartcosh, suffered a heart attack in January 2023 while playing golf in Cumbernauld.
The hospital porter, who works at University Hospital Monklands, was taken by ambulance to the hospital’s A&E department before being transferred to University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire’s centre of excellence for cardiac care.
After stabilisation, Jim returned to Monklands for further care from the hospital’s cardiology staff before being discharged.
Jim said: “The care and support I received from staff, both at Monklands and Hairmyres, was first class.
“I can’t thank them enough as it’s meant I can continue my love of running.”
Jim began running in 1984, completing his first marathon in Glasgow, and has now managed to complete an amazing 100 marathons across the UK and Europe.
He said: “Having a stent put in my heart has greatly improved my breathing, and I’ve never felt better.
“It’s so much easier to get up in the morning, and I’m just loving life.
“Since I returned to work full-time, all my colleagues have been so kind and supportive.
“I’m overwhelmed that they thought my story would inspire others after what happened to me.”
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Jim was able to complete the last London Marathon and is set to start training for his next run, a half-marathon in Inverness in March.
Lynne Li, cardiac rehabilitation nurse specialist at University Hospital Monklands, said: “The cardiac rehabilitation nurses and physiotherapists are delighted with Jim’s recovery and to hear that he’s still taking part in his love of marathons.
“We all wish him well for the future.”
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