A SUPER-FIT dad has praised two people who saved his life after he suffered a massive heart attack while out running.

Aaron Hargreaves, 29, collapsed during hill training with Blackburn Harriers two days before Christmas.

He stopped breathing and had no pulse and his family believe the initial treatment he got from trainer Arthur Almond and retired GP Elaine Leonard saved his life.

Aaron, who lives in Winterley Drive, Accrington, and works at Boundary Bathrooms, Colne, said: "I know I have been very lucky and I owe everything to the quick thinking and medical attention of Arthur and Elaine.

"They saved my life, there's no question about it."

Arthur immediately ran to Aaron's aid and began first aid. Elaine, who is the parent of one of the junior Harriers, was nearby and along with the Harriers' trainer began mouth to mouth and chest compressions until an ambulance arrived.

Aaron spent Christmas in intensive care in Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He has been diagnosed with hypercholesterolaemia - a genetic condition leads to cholesterol being retained and clogging the arteries. Aaron's family has a history of heart disease.

The club's road runner of the year was allowed home on New Year's Day. He is now relaxing at home with wife Danielle, 28, and sons Aiden, eight, and Leon, three, and hopes to start running again at some point.

Danielle said: "We owe everything to Arthur and Elaine. We will be in debt to them forever. Aaron had suffered a massive heart attack and I am in no doubt that he would have died if such expert help had not been on hand."

Aaron collapsed while completing hill sprints in Billinge Woods, Blackburn, two days before Christmas.

Elaine, 48, of Astley Village, said: "It was such a shock to see how ill he was and when I left him with the paramedics I wasn't sure if he was going to make it.

"It is very kind for Aaron's family to say what they have but I was working with other people and it was a team effort to support him until the experts arrived."

Arthur, 67, of Feniscowles, said: "At first we thought Aaron had fainted but I knew very quickly that he needed urgent medical attention.

"I just looked after him and Elaine was called down. She knew what she was doing more than I did."

Aaron, who runs up to 100 miles each week, this year he won the annual Accrington 10km road race.

He said he had experienced mild chest pains during a race in early December but had dismissed it.

Aaron, who grew up in the Duke Bar area of Burnley and went to Habergham High School in the town, added: "I am such a healthy person. I don't drink much and I watch what I eat. This has been a terrible time and I just want to thank everyone who helped me through.

"I feel 100 times better now."

Lancashire Telegraph expert Dr Tom Smith said people with a history of heart disease in their families must seek medical advise before intense exercise.