A PATIENT who "died" six times on the way to hospital after suffering a heart attack has said a huge thank-you to the paramedic who saved his life.

Alan Nuttall, aged 56, who was the first patient to be admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital Coronary Care Unit, has made a miraculous recovery since he was taken ill while out running.

And yesterday he got the chance to thank paramedic Steve Pearson, from Little Hulton, who arrived within six minutes of getting the 999 call from Mr Nuttall's wife Wynn.

On arriving at their house on Spencer Avenue, Little Lever, Alan had his first heart attack and had to be revived. His heart stopped a further five times on the way to hospital and each time he was resuscitated.

Eight hours later, Alan was sitting up in bed saying he "was feeling great" and six days later he was back home to celebrate Christmas with his wife, three children and 17-month-old granddaughter Elizabeth.

Alan, who works for the civil service, said: "How can I thank someone who saved my life? It's difficult to describe but I'll never forget what Steve did for me. The teamwork that went on to save me was amazing."

Steve, aged 37, said: "I have never treated anyone who has survived when they've been shocked back to life six times. His recovery has just been unbelievable.

"I just had to go and see him in hospital. His recovery has been amazing."

Alan had been running for about two miles when he began to feel faint and decided to walk home. Just minutes from home, he collapsed and a woman passing in her car stopped to help him. She gave him a lift home and, when Alan did not feel any better, Wynn called for an ambulance.