Search for off-duty doctor who saved man's life on bus after Rugby World Cup opener

Appeal: Rosemary Henderson and Phil Nunnerley
BBC
Rachel Blundy6 June 2016

A rugby fan who had a heart attack after watching England's opening Rugby World Cup game has launched a bid to trace an off-duty doctor who saved his life.

Phil Nunnerley, 69, was travelling by bus back to Bristol with Rosemary Henderson after the Lions' victory over Fiji at Twickenham on Friday when he collapsed.

Ms Henderson, who had been sitting apart from him because the bus was so crowded, rushed to his aid and cried out for help.

An off-duty doctor heard her and rushed over to help. He performed CPR on Mr Nunnerley for 15 minutes until an ambulance crew arrived.

Opening game: England's Jonathan Joseph hands off Fiji's Waisea Nayacalevu during the match Getty
Getty

Mr Nunnerley was taken to hospital and later made a full recovery.

The pair, from Bristol, believe he would not have survived if the doctor had not intervened, and have subsequently appealed for help in tracking him down in order to thank him personally.

In a post on Facebook, which had been shared more than 2,500 times today, Ms Henderson said they would like to "say thanks personally" for the heroism of the doctor, who was wearing a Gloucester rugby shirt, and an unidentified woman who also helped Mr Nunnerley.

She said: "Would love to identify the doctor who applied CPR on bus from Twickenham to Kempton Park Racecourse Park and Ride last Friday after the England match.

"Saved Phil's life and he would like to say thanks personally.

Rugby World Cup: fireworks during the opening ceremony Getty
Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

"All I know about him is that he had been to the match & was wearing a Gloucester rugby shirt.

"There was also a lady who assisted him. Please share this message so that we can find these two fantastic people.

She continued: "I'd also like to publicly thank Andrew Farmiloe & Carol Wiggins (hope ive got name right) who kept me calm until ambulance was able to take him to hospital.

"Massive thanks too to paramedics / ambulance crew and all at St Peters hospital (BACU) whose work has enabled Phil to go home today. Please share."

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Nunnerley said he blacked out after collapsing on the bus and only remembers waking up in hospital hours later.

He said: "I remember nothing of it, from the moment I got on the bus until I woke up in the ward. I was oblivious to it all.

"I had a man there who worked hard for 15 minutes with CPR and I owe my life to him and would dearly like to thank him."

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