Manya Chadwick, 71, from Stratford-upon-Avon, is alive today thanks to quick thinking strangers, her husband Mike, and the critical care team from Midlands Air Ambulance Charity after she suffered a cardiac arrest on Boxing Day in 2025.
Manya, Mike, and two friends had set out on an eight-mile walk in the Malvern Hills. As they made their way back, Manya became unusually tired – stopping often and falling behind. Then she collapsed.
“I was standing right next to her,” says Mike. “I managed to catch her and lower her to the ground. At first, I thought she had fainted.”
It quickly became clear something far more serious was happening. Manya was unconscious, gasping, and couldn’t be roused. Her breathing was intermittent and then stopped.
Nearby walkers rushed to help. One immediately began CPR, keeping it up until three others began taking turns to deliver chest compressions and rescue breaths. Emergency services were called as the group worked tirelessly to keep Manya alive.
For more than 20 minutes, CPR continued on the hillside.
Mike said: “It was terrifying. She had already been unconscious for a long time. We didn’t know if she would survive. Then I looked up and saw the helicopter coming in. I can’t describe the relief.”
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s critical care team arrived on scene and immediately began advanced lifesaving care.
Mike added: “The moment air ambulance crew arrived, everything changed. Their professionalism and calmness were incredible. We knew she was in the best possible hands.”
Still unconscious, Manya was given an emergency anaesthetic, intubated, and placed on a ventilator to protect her brain and stabilise her condition. Due to clinical considerations, she was transported by land ambulance, accompanied by the air ambulance team, to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. There she was was taken resuscitation unit before being transferred to intensive care, and remained sedated and on a ventilator for two days.
“I don’t remember anything about our walk or my first day in the ICU,” Manya said. “When I had recovered enough to hear more, Mike told me how terrifying it was for him and our friends. I was so moved when I learned how many people had helped save my life.”
Test revealed that Manya’sr cardiac arrest was most likely caused by a pulmonary embolism – blood clots in both lungs. She spent nine days in hospital undergoing treatment and monitoring and has made a remarkable recovery.
“I am so grateful to everyone who helped me – the walkers who performed CPR and the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity team,” she said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
Mike agrees: “Despite how well and how long those walkers delivered CPR, Manya had not regained consciousness. I feared the worst. When the air ambulance team took over, they found a faint heartbeat and gave her the best possible emergency care. We owe them everything.”
After a month of rest, Manya gradually began rebuilding her strength. While she still experiences breathlessness and discomfort, she is determined to return to the active lifestyle she loves.
Manya commented: “Before this event, the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity had not been on the list of charities we support monthly. Celebrating my return home, we donated a lump sum and set up a monthly donation. After all, we’ve experienced the incredible work they do.”
Reminded of the importance of CPR training, Mike set up two courses in Stratford which filled up quickly with friends and acquaintances. Manya attended both courses, determined to be able to deliver CPR effectively if ever a stranger needed her.
Manya’s story is a powerful reminder of how vital early CPR and rapid access to advanced critical care can be in saving lives. Thanks to the actions of those around her and the expertise of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, she was given a second chance.
