AN IPSWICH pensioner who suffered a heart attack while playing golf today heaped praise on two ambulance crews who were on scene and treating him within just 15 minutes.

AN IPSWICH pensioner who suffered a heart attack while playing golf today heaped praise on two ambulance crews who were on scene and treating him within just 15 minutes.

Nobby Clarke had been enjoying a round at Waldringfield Golf Club when he collapsed at the third hole.

The 77-year-old's playing partner rushed back to the clubhouse where he called an ambulance. He then made his way back to Mr Clarke in a golf buggy and managed to lift him into the vehicle before driving back to the clubhouse.

By the time the pair got there, the first ambulance had arrived and only minutes later a second was also at the scene.

Mr Clarke, of Sidegate Lane, said: “There are not many people who get two ambulances turning up for them.

“The first ambulance had come from Martlesham and they were already sorting me out when the second one arrived.

“It's the first time anything like this has happened to me. The service I received was fantastic.

“I would like to thank the ambulance crews for their efforts because it would be nice to give them a boost. People are so quick to knock them but what they did for me was brilliant.”

Mr Clarke was taken to the cardiac unit at Ipswich hospital where he stayed for five days while he recuperated, with doctors carrying out checks on his condition.

He said: “When I got to hospital my blood pressure was perfect and so was my pulse, so it seemed a mystery as to why I had the heart attack.

“I have had a bit of stress with family concerns and the doctors put it down to that.

“I feel like a bit of a fraud because it doesn't feel like there's anything wrong with me.

“Thankfully, I'm well on the road to recovery.”

Have you been impressed with Suffolk's health service? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk