A Gary Numan fan has been reunited with the paramedics who saved him after he had a heart attack on his way to the Brighton Centre to see his idol.
Barry Wrench, now 70, was looking forward to seeing the 80s electropop star on Saturday, 22 November 2025, with his wife Sheila and friends.
But before they could enter the venue, Barry collapsed outside the Grand Hotel.
A security guard saw what happened and jumped into action delivering vital chest compressions to try and restart Barry’s heart while his friends phoned 999.
Barry said: “I just remember feeling breathless. The next thing I knew, I woke up in an ambulance.”
By chance, paramedic Molly King and trainee associate ambulance practitioner Koby Rowbotham were driving past at the time. They pulled over immediately and began administering life-saving care while further help arrived on scene.
Their rapid response, combined with the early CPR provided by the venue’s staff member, proved critical.
Barry said: “I was told how lucky I am. That it wasn’t my time.”
This cardiac arrest was his second near-death experience, having previously survived sepsis. Since his recovery, he has focused on staying active as part of his rehabilitation, including regular walking to support his heart health.
Barry and Sheila recently reunited with Molly and Koby as well as emergency care support worker Clare Berry, associate ambulance practitioner Mark Tilley and emergency medical advisor Lorna Harris – some more of the team who helped save Barry – to thank them for saving his life.
Barry said: “If people hadn’t acted so quickly, I wouldn’t be here. I’m so thankful to everyone for what they did for me that evening.”
Sheila said: “I’m beyond grateful to everyone that helped Barry that night and that we get to spend many more years together as a family.
“Things like this really make you appreciate the small things and we’re incredibly lucky he is still here with us.”
Molly said: “It was lovely to meet Barry and Sheila in much better circumstances.
“I hope Barry and Sheila will be able to attend a Gary Numan concert someday.”
