Double heart attack survivor Sean Doyle is gearing up for a sponsored run around the pitch at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium.
Dad-of-two Sean, 47, of Brockholes, will lead a team of 14 who will complete 50 laps before Town’s clash with Watford tomorrow.
Sean, who collapsed at Huddersfield’s regular Parkrun in May 2013, needed CPR from a GP and a nurse who happened to be on the scene.
He was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where medics fought to save his life.
He recovered quickly despite being told survival rates were only 6%.
Within three months former marathon man Sean was running again although he has been warned that 10 miles is his limit from now on.
As a thank-you to the NHS, Sean has organised a fundraising challenge around the stadium.
So far he has raised around £1,800 for Town’s Keep It Up campaign which splits money between the club’s youth academy and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Sean, married to Helen, 41, completed his preparations by taking part in last Saturday’s Parkrun at Greenhead Park – running there and back from his home, a total of around 13 miles.
Sean said: “It’s not really defying doctor’s orders though 10 miles is my theoretical limit. Just don’t tell the wife!
“This run is my way of giving something back the best way I know how – through running. I hope to inspire others not to give up whatever the odds. I’m raring to go.”
The 50 laps equate to 11.4 miles and some of the runners – including Sean’s 11-year-old son Oliver – will only run part of it.
Two of the runners taking part are GP Dr Emma Spencer and nurse Dinah Coogan who kept him alive until paramedics arrived.
Fellow Holmfirth Harriers runner Simon Edwards, who accompanied Sean in the ambulance, had intended to take part – but broke his wrist out running when he slipped on ice last week.
He will now be coach, motivator and cheerleader.
The stadium run will take place behind closed doors and must be finished by 1.15pm when the turnstiles open.
Sean will be interviewed on the pitch at half-time by club announcer Paul Ramsden.
To sponsor Sean go to www.justgiving.com/Sean-Doyle5/
