Family and friends of a much-loved Ipswich police officer will walk the Suffolk coast to raise crucial funds for the hospital which saved his life.
Tom Barrat suffered aortic dissection type A in March 2022 and was saved thanks to the quick reaction from his partner and colleagues.
Tom, who is now on his way to recovery, said: “That day I went to work for an early shift which starts at 7am.
“I was there at about 5.30am to do an hour of gym workout before starting my duty, as we have a gym at work.
“During the warm up I suddenly felt quite a nasty sort of pain through my chest and back.
“I collapsed, hit my head and lost consciousness for a period of about half an hour or so.
“When I woke up, I was struggling to breathe. I got myself up and get to my phone to message my supervisor that I was going to be late for work.
“Then I tried to get myself ready for work but laid down on the changing room floor and struggled to move again.
“I called my lovely partner who was back home and she called the ambulance and informed the station.”
The 27-year-old man was taken to the Royal Papworth Hospital where he underwent an emergency surgery and was under sedation in critical care before being moved on to a ward.
The police officer from Kirton spent several weeks in the hospital before returning home.
Tom said he would like to thank his colleagues Craig Smith, Sam Stopher, Dan Fiske, Nick Logie and Craig Vernau who helped him during the emergency.
His sister-in-law Natasha Barratt said: “Tom is a really fit and healthy guy.
“He used to go to the gym on regular basis and was an active policeman.
“If it wasn't for his colleagues, then he wouldn't be with us today.”
Tom’s family, friends and colleagues are very grateful to Papworth Hospital for saving his life and organised the Suffolk Costal Path walk to raise money for the hospital, so the staff can carry on saving more lives.
In March, the group will walk the 60-mile distance from Felixstowe to Lowestoft.
Tom’s online fundraising for Royal Papworth Charity is available here.
The police officer said that his energy levels are starting to come back.
He added: “I’m now trying to get back to work properly.
“I’ve been doing very admin-based jobs but I want to go back on the frontline as quick as possible.”
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