Touching reunion at London Life Hike 2025 between cardiac arrest survivor and 999 call handler who helped save his life

Rob Hutt, a dad of three and cardiac arrest survivor due to early bystander intervention, was the first to sign up to our London Life Hike 2025. The flagship walk to save lives provided him with the special opportunity to have a touching reunion with James, the 999 call handler who took the call that helped to save his life.

Our London Life Hike took place on Saturday 27 September 2025 at Southwark Park. Londoners joined us to paint the town yellow to help raise funds in support of our London Heart Starters Campaign. The campaign is installing more defibrillators across London in neighbourhoods that need them most.

It is safe and easy for members of the public to use defibrillators. When someone is in cardiac arrest, a defibrillator delivers a shock to the heart which can restore a normal rhythm.

Less than one in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest but through events like the London Life Hike, the London Ambulance Charity is aiming to boost survival rates and improve outcomes.

Rob’s survival is driving him to help others. He is fundraising to place more defibrillators in Kensal Rise and its neighbouring communities.

Also attending the walk, was James Goddard, the London Ambulance Service call handler who gave the vital life-saving instructions to the bystanders that helped to keep Rob alive in the minutes before an ambulance arrived.

When they met, the pair hugged, before Rob asked: "What do you say to the man who saved your life?"

Rob had been running near his home in north-west London, training for a triathlon, when he collapsed. Passers-by called 999.

When James answered the call, he immediately realised Rob's life was in his hands.

He recalled: "The caller said he had stopped breathing - obviously I was worried but my job is to stay calm and give clear instructions.

"The caller was understandably panicked so I was reassuring but took control and told them to give chest compressions."

The passers-by had never been taught how to perform chest compressions, also known as CPR, but James directed them on where push on the chest and counted to ensure they kept going at the right pace.

Chest compressions keep blood and oxygen circulating to the brain and other vital organs.

James added: "It is very rare to survive a cardiac arrest but this is what we come to work for - to save lives. I'm elated to be here and meet Rob."

Rob said: "I feel so lucky - I still feel like it's a miracle I'm alive. And my recovery has been really good - the doctors told me that is down to the quality of the CPR that was given.

"James was with me at the worst moment of my life and it's thanks to him I'm here today. And I've joined the London Life Hike so more lives can be saved."

So far, the London Life Hike has raised more than £13,500. Every penny will go towards installing more life-saving defibrillators across the communities in London that need them most and training people in how to save a life.

Prior to setting off on their 21km or 6km journeys that took in breath-taking views of iconic London landmarks, our 'Life Hikers' took part in CPR training and other educational activities at our vibrant event village in Southwark Park.

There were children's activities and the crowds were delighted when Ambi, the London Ambulance Service mascot arrived and joined the fun.

Lovely volunteers from LAS's Historic Collection showed visitors the impressive exhibit, including old and new ambulance vehicles and uniforms, showing how the Service has developed over the century.

Some of the specialist teams, including cycle and motorcycle paramedics and the tactical response unit, were at the event to explain their roles to the public.

London Ambulance Service Chief Executive Jason Killens said: "Thank you to everyone who supported us on this beautiful autumn day.

"It's been inspirational to meet patients who have joined us to help in our mission to improve cardiac arrest survival rates across London.

"Every year London Ambulance Service crews go to over 14,000 cardiac arrests and we know that the efforts of our 'Life Hikers' will help us save more lives.

"Anyone can learn the simple skills to give someone a chance of life. By learning what to do, people will have the confidence to step up when it really matters."

You can still support the walkers of the London Life Hike and make a donation to the London Heart Starters Campaign by visiting: www.londonambulancecharity.org.uk/donate/heartstarters. To register your interest for the London Life Hike 2026, please email [email protected]. 

Our generous event sponsor Mazuma ensures that all the vital funds raised from the London Life Hike will go towards improving health outcomes for our cherished communities.