Meet the runner who's back to competing after suffering a heart attack and cardiac arrest
By Deborah Bowyer 19th Jan 2026
An Alsager runner is pulling on his running shoes and getting ready to take part in the annual Alsager 5 - despite suffering a heart attack and cardiac arrest.
Rob Langford was walking back after the race and was just 200 yards from home when he collapsed and passers-by gave him CPR on the spot.
The 65-year-old was rushed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital where he made a full recovery and now wants to thank those who helped him and urge others to learn how to do CPR.
"I'm so grateful for those who did CPR on me. There's no doubt it helped save my life. The thing now is to encourage ensure as many people as possible can do it," said the retired hydraulics engineer from Queensway.
"You never know when you might need it. It's easy to learn and could be used anywhere," said Rob who was rushed off to hospital following his collapse last February.
"I woke up in hospital not knowing what had happened. Someone had seen me collapse and I'm so grateful for their help. My thanks to everyone involved."
Rob has been running for 40 years and has taken part in all kinds of events from triathlons and to an Iron Man triathlon and regularly takes part in Astbury Country Park's Park Run.
He runs about twice or three times a week and this year, will be taking part in Alsager 5, held on the first Sunday of February every year, with one of his sons.
"The hospital put a stent in to open up the artery. I still run though obviously I'm not as fast," said Rob.
And Rob and his wife, Alison, an avid swimmer, would like to launch a campaign to buy more defibrilators.
"We're just so grateful for those people who helped save Rob's life," said Alison.
Have you got a heartwarming story to tell? Email [email protected]
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