Roger’s Story

They brought me back to life on the fourth shock. They’re fantastic. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today.

Roger Clarke

For Roger Clarke, better known to many children as Father Christmas at the local Dino Park, an ordinary evening at his village pub turned into a true Christmas miracle.

On 2 July 2025, Roger was competing in a pool tournament at The Gate Inn, a place he’s spent many happy hours with friends.

“I suddenly felt hot, sweaty and really unwell,” Roger remembers. “I lost the game and just headed for the door.”

Outside, he sat down on a bench, but within moments was clutching his chest before collapsing backwards.

Locals rushed to his aid, and by sheer luck, a Pebworth fire crew happened to be driving by. They pulled over immediately when they saw Roger collapse.
Samantha O’Brien, Station Commander at South Worcestershire (On-call), said: “The crew witnessed a member of the public collapse and immediately rendered assistance. It quickly became clear the individual was in cardiac arrest, and they began CPR and deployed a defibrillator. Their swift and professional response – within seconds of the collapse – was truly lifesaving.”

The fire crew acted quickly to help Roger, but it was clear he needed more advanced support. That’s when they called The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS).

Within just four minutes, the Air Ambulance crew arrived. “They brought me back to life on the fourth shock,” Roger said. “They’re fantastic. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today.”

A crew member from TAAS said: “We responded rapidly to the call and arrived on scene within minutes. Incidents like this show just how vital early intervention and teamwork are – from the fire crew and local bystanders to our paramedics and doctors. Every link in the chain plays a part in saving a life, and we’re incredibly proud to have been there to help Roger when he needed it most.”

Roger was transported to Worcester Royal Hospital, where he woke the following day to learn he’d had a cardiac arrest. Surgeons fitted an internal defibrillator, renewed two of his stents, and fitted a new one in another artery.

But for Roger, family is at the heart of everything. With eight grandchildren, he has all the motivation he needs to recover.

But his biggest motivation? Returning to his beloved role as Santa Claus.

For more than 13 years, Roger has brought festive cheer to families as Father Christmas. “I’ve already said yes for this year,” he laughed. “It’s an added incentive to get well.”

Now, with his recovery under way, Roger is looking forward to getting his life back – spending time with his grandchildren, returning to golf, and donning the red suit once again.

“The Air Ambulance Service and Pebworth Fire Brigade saved my life,” Roger said. “Thanks to them, I’ve got so much more to look forward to.”