A MIRACLE dad who suffered 27 heart attacks in 24 hours owes his life to medical staff at a Worcester hospital.

Ray Woodhall, taken ill during a walking football match in Kidderminster, says he would not be here today but for the brilliant staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

The 54-year-old was told by medics they had never heard of anyone 'dying' so many times yet living to tell the tale.

He has since been reunited with the team which saved his life, including cardiologists, the ward manager, a healthcare assistant, radiologist, staff nurse and a specialised cardio physiologist.

He felt a slight chest pain on December 17 last year while playing for Hartshill Strollers in an over 50s walking football tournament in Kidderminster.

A spectator called 999 and Mr Woodhall was given morphine, strapped to a stretcher in his kit and taken to hospital in Worcester.

During his stay he had two stents put into his artery through his right wrist.

As he continued to suffer heart attacks his family were told he might not make it through the night and that, even if he lived, he might suffer brain damage.

He was joined at his bedside by partner Jo Stokes, sister Jayne and brother Robert before being visited by his children, Martin, Gary and Samantha.

Led by cardiologists Dr Deepak Goyal and Dr David Smith, the team gave Mr Woodhall coronary angioplasty.

Mr Woodhall of Wednesbury said: “I’m so grateful for everyone at the Worcester Royal, they were brilliant with me.

“They told me they’ve never heard of anyone ‘dying’ so many times and the only reason I’m here is because of them.

“The hospital was brilliant and I owe them everything.”

Deepak Goyal, consultant interventional cardiologist, said: "Mr Woodhall was brought in to our hospital via ambulance after he suffered a heart attack while playing a game of football.

"We are proud to provide a 24/7 emergency heart attack service for Worcestershire and our neighbouring counties.

"Our team of six skilled staff were activated and called in out of hours so he could be treated immediately with an emergency procedure to reopen his blocked coronary artery via a tube passed up through his arm.

"He had a unstable cardiac rhythms requiring defibrillation prior to the procedure and despite successful procedure, he suffered multiple cardiac arrests needing further multiple defibrillations and required further stabilisation treatment and intervention including insertion of an aortic pump device via his leg.

"He was mobilising after 48 hours, was discharged after six days and we are delighted to see that he has made such a good recovery.

"We were able to help Mr Woodhall because he presented so quickly and without a local service, he may well not have survived.

"We as a team are very proud of our prompt heart attack service which also has been consistently delivering excellent patient outcomes. Chest pain is a symptom not to ignore."

Matron Clare Alexander said: “The whole team are pleased to see Ray’s continued recovery and as the matron responsible I could not be any prouder of my team.”

Cardiology staff nurse Leilaini Alejandrino said: “I was on duty on the night of December 17 when Ray arrived. I was the nurse responsible for his care throughout the night. It was a difficult night for him and his recovery is amazing. I am so happy that he came back to see us in such great shape.”