'NHS SAVED MY LIFE', SAYS 76-YEAR-OLD NOW KEEN TO HELP OTHERS

A NORTH EAST man has become the first person in the world to sign up to a new study that might help treat a chronic lung disease.

- By SAM VOLPE

Newcastle patient James Hammill, 76, a retired engineer, decided to sign up after the NHS saved his life, he said.

James, who has lived with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) for a decade, had a cardiac arrest in 2023 and was saved at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

He said this had inspired him to support NHS research and help other patients who have the same condition he has.

He said: "In 2023, I had a cardiac arrest which nearly killed me, but thanks to the care I received at the RVI, I pulled through and made a full recovery.