By Jasbir Authi
The Sunday Mercury
TENBY, Whales — A quick-thinking Midland man saved a comedian’s life when he keeled over, literally dying on stage.
Funnyman Eddie Stapleton was telling jokes about snakes when his heart suddenly packed up and he collapsed.
Some members of the audience guffawed, thinking it was all part of the comedy act. But Guy Jackson, from Stourbridge, who had recently had first aid training, realised it was no laughing matter.
The 64 year-old leapt up and started giving heart massage while paramedics were summoned to the scene.
The drama happened at the De Valance Pavillion in the welsh holiday resort of Tenby, a favourite with Midlanders.
Comic Eddie, a 77 year-old retired window cleaner and carpet fitter, was running through his gags after earlier taking part in a concert with the Tenby Male Choir at the nearby St Mary’s Church.
Good samaritan Guy, who was there with the Gentlemen Songsters Of Dudley, said: “The comedian had been singing, and then started entertaining the audience with a series of stories and jokes.
“He was getting to the punchline at the end of a monologue about snakes, when he suddenly keeled over sideways and crashed through an exit door.
“My initial reaction was that it couldn’t be part of the monologue — and I ran forward to help. It was obvious that he wasn’t breathing and he was turning blue. I just automatically started CPR.”
Guy, who learned first aid as part of his job transporting prisoners for private security firm Reliance, added: “Life is precious as far as I am concerned and I wasn’t prepared to give in,” he said.
Eddie, who was treated by paramedics and then taken to hospital, said: “As I reached the end of my monologue, the lights went out. I don’t remember too much about it, to be honest.
“I just keeled over and the doctors later told me if Guy Jackson hadn’t stepped in I would have been a goner.
“Guy gave me CPR and got my heart going before the paramedics arrived. I will always be grateful for that.”
Now, the two plan to meet up so Eddie can say thanks in person.
Copyright 2010 Midland Independent Newspapers plc
All Rights Reserved