'This man rescued my son when he started turning blue'

A mother has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to a volunteer emergency responder who rescued her son, reuniting with him recently at a BBC event. Jessica Martin recounted how her 14-month-old son, Lenny, suddenly stopped breathing during a birthday party in Horsham, West Sussex, on 22 November.

As Lenny began having seizures and his skin turned blue, an ambulance was called immediately. Ms Martin, from Crawley, described how a remarkable volunteer from the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb), Mark Marney, arrived within three minutes and expertly managed the emergency.

There was something about Marks presence and confidence. When he looked at me and said, 'I've got this,' I felt an immediate sense of relief, she shared.

Ms Martin admitted she hadnt caught Mr Marneys name at the hospital, East Surrey Hospital, and later discovered he was volunteering his time. My husband and I were in total disbelief that someone would dedicate his own time, on a Saturday, to help complete strangers. It was extraordinary, she said.

Seeking to thank him personally, Ms Martin posted on Facebook to find Mr Marney, calling him a hero for his calmness during one of the most traumatic moments of their lives.

Mr Marney, a former Royal Navy aircraft engineer from Midhurst, told BBC Radio Sussex, Luckily, Lenny was a tough little boy. Lenny spent one night in Redhill hospital and is now under close medical observation. Thankfully, he has not had any further seizures, though the cause remains unknown.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms Martin said, Marks kindness and selflessness saved my sons life. Our family came so close to losing him that day.

Author: Zoe Harrison