A participant who collapsed during the Belfast City Marathon in May 2024 has been honoured for his exceptional commitment to improving heart-health awareness and emergency response skills across Northern Ireland.
John Deery, from Co Londonderry, experienced a cardiac arrest while taking part in our event last year. Thanks to the swift and coordinated actions of fellow runners and spectators, who immediately began CPR and used a defibrillator located on the route, he received vital early intervention before emergency services arrived. Their rapid response played an essential role in saving his life, highlighting the importance of accessible training and equipment at mass-participation events.
After making a strong recovery, Deery channelled his experience into creating positive change within the community. Over the past year, he has devoted his time to helping both young people and adults learn CPR, supporting fundraising efforts for new defibrillators, and actively promoting awareness of emergency-response skills. His work has extended to schools, sports clubs, local groups and wider public audiences, ensuring lifesaving knowledge is more widely available.
He has also worked closely with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to champion the registration of defibrillators on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network that helps emergency call handlers quickly identify the nearest available device. Thousands of defibrillators are now registered across Northern Ireland, and Deery has played a key role in encouraging organisations and community groups to ensure their devices are properly logged and maintained.
In recognition of his efforts, Deery was awarded the Community Resuscitation Champion title at the BHF’s Heart Hero Awards in London. The ceremony celebrated individuals who have made an outstanding impact on heart health, and his story stood out as a powerful example of how a personal experience can drive meaningful change.
Colleagues from the sporting community, where Deery has volunteered and coached for many years, have also praised his dedication. They noted his determination to improve survival rates by ensuring that clubs, schools and event organisers understand the importance of CPR training and accessible defibrillators.
The awards evening brought together inspirational figures from across the UK, including well-known personalities who have used their own experiences to raise awareness of cardiac health. Deery’s recognition reflects not only his personal resilience, but also his ongoing work to help equip others with the confidence and skills needed in an emergency.
His journey underscores the vital role that bystander intervention can play, and his continued advocacy serves as an important reminder of the lifesaving value of CPR and defibrillator access at community events such as the Belfast City Marathon.
