Bannatyne Group

A member at the Bannatyne Health Club in Colchester has praised the swift actions of the team and their use of the club’s defibrillator to save her life when she suffered a medical incident.

Vicky Jacobs, who was 52 at the time of the incident in October 2022, collapsed while on a treadmill and spent the next 14 days in an induced coma in hospital.

Vicky, who is currently undergoing gender reassignment, said: “I can’t remember anything at all after I collapsed, but I do know that Julia and a couple of fellow members saved my life by administering CPR and the defibrillator.

“I don’t smoke, ate well, had a low BMI and exercised regularly so it was a huge shock to be taken ill so suddenly. After I had been in an induced coma for around two weeks, my family were called to say their goodbyes. My mum held my hand and at that moment I woke up – a second miracle!”

Vicky now has a Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted – the same device as footballer Christian Eriksen – and is back training at the health club most days.

She added: “I will forever be grateful that my Bannatyne Health Club, like all the clubs in the Group, has a defibrillator and staff who are trained to use them. I wouldn’t be alive today otherwise.”

Julia Osterwald, general manager at the Bannatyne Health Club Colchester said: “When Vicky collapsed, thankfully, with the help of a couple of others, we were able to treat her until paramedics took over. I am grateful that the ambulance turned up so quickly, even though five minutes felt like an hour, and that we had a defib on site. The paramedics thanked us afterwards and said that without our efforts, or the defib, Vicky would not have made it. I strongly believe that all health clubs and gyms should have a defibrillator, as well as many other locations. They truly do save lives.”

Duncan Bannatyne added: “I am so glad that Vicky has made such a good recovery from her traumatic experience but it is a salutary warning that this sort of medical incident can happen to anyone, however fit they might be.

“I am a huge advocate of having defibrillators in health clubs and gyms and strongly believe every site should have one, together with trained staff always on site should they need to be deployed.

“I invested in one for all my health clubs, along with training for staff and they have undoubtedly saved lives.”

Colchester Mayor John Jowers visited the health club to hear Vicky's story and present general manager with a certificate in acknowledgement of the lifesaving actions. 

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BANNATYNE GROUP

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

The Bannatyne Group operates 68 clubs, 46 spas and 3 hotels. It is owned by Duncan Bannatyne OBE, who is also known for his appearances as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den. The health clubs have around 200,000 members.

Bannatyne health clubs can be found in towns and cities throughout the UK, with a particularly strong presence near residential areas of large towns. They place a strong emphasis on wellbeing and exercise forming a central part of living a healthy lifestyle.

www.bannatyne.co.uk