A Heysham man who suffered a near-fatal cardiac arrest on a bike ride has completed a cycling challenge raising thousands for a hospital.
Rob Kitchen was part of a team who took on the Bay Cycle Way to raise money for Royal Preston Hospital Neuro Rehabilitation Unit.
The hospital helped Rob's stepdaughter Sarah Thomas recover from a severe brain injury suffered in a car crash.
In March, he told Beyond Radio how lucky he feels to be alive after his sudden collapse while out on a motorbike ride with friends three years ago.
Rob's heart stopped for around eight minutes and he said: "I shouldn't be here. I'd actually gone from this world."
But thanks to on-the-spot CPR and use of a defibrillator, he was able to make a remarkably quick and full recovery.
And Rob completed the 85-mile cycle from Walney to Glasson in May, saying afterwards:
"What a fantastic weekend with great scenery, weather and most of all the company for such an important cause.
"Thanks to Lloyd South Lakes BMW and Swan Hotel and Spa Newby Bridge Cumbria for their kind hospitality en-route
"Couldn’t have managed without Doug Foulds - our wing man/support vehicle and Rhydian Jones for helping us transport the bikes.
"A massive thank you to Tim Dalke, Matty Kitchen, Philip Morris, Jeff Garnett and Nigel Harrison for joining me in the charity ride.
"A big thank you to everyone who has supported and donated so far - it’s really appreciated!"
Rob has raised more than £2400 from his fundraising page HERE.
It was September 23 2023 when Rob set out with a group of friends on a motorcycle ride through the Yorkshire Dales, heading for the pub in Settle where his son worked.
Rob Kitchen
They arrived in Reeth, a remote village in Swaledale, and decided to stop for a coffee.
"I put the bike on its sidestand, I can remember putting my helmet down, and then just leaned back on a post, tried to take my rucksack off, and went back," said Rob.
"The lads thought I was just larking around. But unbeknown to me I'd had a sudden cardiac arrest. Very similar to what happened to (footballer) Christian Eriksen on the football field, and other footballers, and many others.
"The odds were against me. I'd actually gone from this world.
"They started doing CPR on me. Luckily there was a defibrillator in a nearby church hall, there were two off duty nurses helping my good friend Jonathan Briggs who was with us, who does a lot of first aid at Heysham Power Stations, he knew what to do straightaway.
"I'd gone, but he kept me alive, and my heart going, and they brought me back.
"I was airlifted to Middlesbrough Hospital, where I spent two weeks and in there, having all kinds of tests.
"It came back with an unknown cause of why it had happened, but it happens to many many thousands of people. And most people unfortunately who have an out of hospital cardiac arrest don't live to tell the tale.
"I'd not felt unwell. I was pretty fit in general. From no warning whatsoever, I just went down like a sack of spuds.
"(The CPR and defibrillator being there), that's what saved my life."
Sarah is herself preparing to run the Manchester Half Marathon on October 4 for Royal Preston Hospital Critical Care & Family Support Units.
Her fundraising page can be found HERE.
Sarah Thomas
It says: "On Sunday 8th January 2023, myself and my partner were passengers in a near fatal car accident. I was rushed to RPH (Royal Preston Hospital) where life saving brain surgery was performed and I was put into an induced coma. While asleep, I had surgery to put my face back together and to treat a significant laceration from my eye to my mouth.
"This was a life changing event and something I will never forget, but will learn to live with and eventually move on from.
"Due to ongoing operations and medical appointments, I have not been in a position to look at the idea of fundraising. However, as we go into 2026, this is the year I want to give back to the teams who saved my life and looked after my family.
"Myself and a group of family and friends will be running the October Manchester Half Marathon to raise money for the critical care and the family support unit.
"The critical care unit at Royal Preston Hospital is one of the largest in the North West of England, looking after more than 1600 patients every year.
"Their dedicated team provides intensive treatment and close monitoring of patients who are seriously ill, or who need intensive care following surgery.
"As the Critical Care Unit continues to grow, there will always be a need for those added extras which can make all the difference to their patients and families, when they need it the most.
"Your donations will enable the provision of a welcoming, calm and comfortable environment for families staying close to their loved ones. With your help they can also fund additional equipment and state-of-the-art simulation training, enabling their medical team to remain at the forefront of modern technology and exceptional care."
Read more: LISTEN: Heysham fundraiser tells inspiring story of surviving sudden cardiac arrest - Beyond Radio
Hottest June day and night ever recorded at Lancaster University’s Hazelrigg weather station
Morecambe Bay Fringe Festival chief slams plans for separate Lancaster event
UPDATED: Van makes off from scene after four vehicle crash in Morecambe
VIDEO: World famous steam engine spotted in Morecambe on historic journey
Plans approved for Heysham skate park
Appeal after bin deliberately set on fire near Lancaster bus station
PHOTOS: Giant spade goes in ground at Eden Project Morecambe as August start date revealed
New drumming festival to be held in Morecambe
New four-day Lancaster Fringe Festival announced
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
