A 24-hour challenge took place to help raise awareness and funds about the importance of defibrillators.

Glenn Carrigan and his wife Suzi were out running in Bitts Park in Carlisle when 43-year-old Glenn collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest.

Described as “really fit”, Glenn frequently takes part in crossfit five or six times a week.

The incident, which happened on August 6, saw Glenn rushed to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle. He spent two days in an induced coma in intensive care.

He was later transferred to the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, and had a triple heart bypass. He was discharged five days after surgery.

Glenn and Suzi believe it was the defibrillator that saved his life and have since started a campaign to buy them for venues across Cumbria.

On Saturday, along with their friends at District L Fitness in Penrith, they organised an event aimed at raising money and awareness for their cause.

It saw gym members try and lift as much weight as possible in 24 hours, while raising money and awareness for the campaign.

“He comes to our gym regularly and it turns out he has an issue with his heart, which didn’t come about until he started running,” explained George Birtle, owner and director of the gym. .

“He collapsed two miles in. He’s a generally fit person and it came as a shock to people.

“He had no health problems and was fit and healthy. He went for a run and ended up in hospital.”

The fundraiser helped to raise enough money to buy a defibrillator for the gym, with any remaining cash going towards one for other venues. However, Glenn and Suzi won’t be stopping there.

“The fact he is fit and healthy is why he has recovered as well as he has,” explained Suzi.

“You never know what’s round the corner. We want greater awareness and more defibrillators around Cumbria. When Glenn is back to fitness we will be doing challenges next year to raise awareness and raise as much money for defibrillators around Cumbria.”

Glenn is passionate other people have the same chances of survival as him.

“I think it’s very important. The defibrillator is something I needed and lots of people don’t have the opportunity I had and there is no equipment available and no one to give them CPR.

“We need to get more equipment out there and more training for people. If people don’t know what is happening and don’t know what to do, it doesn’t help matters.”

Glenn says if first aid isn’t administered within the first few minutes, that it can often be too late.

To donate to the cause, visit https://tinyurl.com/y4c7fvy2.