A woman who performed CPR to save the life of the chairman of a social club where she volunteers has been nominated for the Croydon Champions’ act of bravery award.

Tracey Jenner, 42, who has volunteered at Croydon Phab Club – a social club for people with physical and learning disabilities – for two-and-a-half-years, has been hailed a hero and credited by doctors for saving the life of chairman Graham Earl.

Mr Earl suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed at the club in Dering Place, South Croydon, on August 28, and was shocked five times by paramedics who then rushed him to hospital where he spent ten days in intensive care (ICU).

The 64-year-old continues to make a steady recovery in hospital and his wife Hazel, nominated Ms Jenner for her “quick-thinking actions and bravery”.

Mrs Earl said: “The ambulance crew came to the hospital to see Graham when he was in ICU, the paramedic said Tracey did all the hard work and that by doing the CPR she saved his life.

“She is very modest about it, but what she did is amazing.

“As a family nothing we can say or do will be enough to show her how grateful we are and will never come close to what she deserves, but I think if anyone is deserving of this award it is Tracey.”

Ironically it was Mr Earl who arranged for Ms Jenner to attend a first aid course earlier this year.

Mrs Earl said: “Little did he know it would be the best move he ever made.”

Ms Jenner said she was shocked by the nomination and she had simply done what others would do in a similar situation.

She said: “I am very surprised. It is lovely, but I am a bit shy and don’t like to be in the spotlight, but it’s so nice.

“It is just something anyone would do if they were put in that same position.

“I did panic a little but I just knew I had to do it. “It is lovely to think Graham is still here because of what I done.”

 

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