A GRANDMOTHER of four has thanked a quick-thinking manager for saving her life.

Former pub landlady, Ann Hunter, 65 from Stokesley, was showering after her daily swim when she suffered a heart attack and collapsed.

Fortunately for the mother of two, Gareth James, the on-duty manager at Stokesley Leisure Centre raced to the scene and helped resuscitate her and keep her calm until an ambulance crew arrived.

Now, six months later, Mrs Hunter is back in the pool - thanks to continuing care from staff at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Mrs Hunter said: “Gareth saved my life, I would not be here if it wasn’t for him.

“I had wonderful care from him, the paramedics and the hospital staff.

“And there were cards and good wishes from all my family and friends, as well as all the swimmers I know from Stokesley Leisure Centre.

They have all helped me get better.

“I am now back swimming and feeling good – progress is slow, but I am getting there.”

Stokesley Leisure Centre manager, Mike Readman, said Gareth was doing the job he was trained to do.

“All our duty managers and leisure attendants are trained first aiders,” he said.

“We all hope we will never have to use the defibrillators, but incidents like these make us realise how valuable they are, without using one on Ann she would not be with us today.