A MAN was brought back to life by a first aid worker from a firm called Lazarus.

Martin Johnson, 51, suffered a severe heart attack and keeled over outside his printing business, Pogo Colours, at Dragon Enterprise Park in Progress Road, Eastwood.

But as fate would have it, first aider Samantha Donn, who worked in the same building for Lazarus Training First Aid, was on hand to perform CPR alongside Josh Brend, 21, to stabilise Martin until he could be rushed to Basildon Hospital.

Martin, a father of six, spent three nights in hospital, but is now well enough to return to his home in Daws Heath Road, Rayleigh.

His grateful wife Rachel, 41, said: “The idea of losing my husband at this age was horrific.

“I just want to thank Samantha and Josh. It’s quite scary how different the turn of events could have been if it had been anyone else there.

“We wouldn’t have got the outcome we’ve got now.

“We have six children and three grandchildren. It wasn’t just him, it’s affected the whole family.

“They are our heroes.”

Josh, who runs the Lunch Bunch in Leigh, saw the commotion after Martin collapsed and went over to help. As he began helping Samantha, he started remembering a British Heart Foundation advert, which featured former footballer Vinnie Jones doing chest compressions.

He said: “I’ve had training years ago, but Samantha started and I just followed her lead.

“I thought I would be stressed in that situation but all I could think of was that advert with Vinnie Jones telling you how to do CPR.

“I’m just really pleased that Martin is home and making a quick recovery. It’s incredible.”

Martin had been working all morning when he started to get pain in his chest. At hospital he had two stents inserted into his heart, but is now making a recovery at home.

In a statement on their facebook page, Lazarus Training, said: “We are very proud to say that we saved a life today.

What a great day. Well done to all involved.”