A man who suffered a massive heart attack has been reunited with the medical professionals who saved his life. 

Richard Knapp, 64, of New Road, Chingford, was out socialising with friends in Epping when he collapsed on February 3. 

A crew from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) responded to the 999 call and were dispatched to the scene in Chapel Road.    

Epping community first responder Sandra Newman was first on the scene and was soon joined by Loughton emergency care practitioner Richard Holt, plus Stephen Dennehy and Allison Cheesman from Harlow ambulance crew.

Mr Holt, of Woodland Road, Chingford, said Mr Knapp's health detoriated rapidly. 

"He was pale and clammy and we did some tests.

"We could see he was having a massive heart attack then his heart just stopped. Sandra started CPR and we had to give him three shocks with the defibrillator."

Mr Knapp battled for his life for over a week at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital's intensive care unit after suffering multiple organ failure and pneumonia, but is now slowly recovering at home. 

He was visited by staff from the EEAST and hospital on Monday (April 20). 

"I’m ever so grateful," the retrired carpenter said. 

"I can’t put it into words. I’ll always be grateful to those who helped me on that day and the staff in the hospital. I love them all and I’ll never forget them.

"They all fought to give me back a life."

His wife, Sue, 60, said it has been a "rollercoaster" journey. 

Adding: "Every time I thought we were turning a corner he went downhill again but what a result in the end. 

"He has received amazing care all the way. I can't fault it. We are so grateful."