Walking football community band together in Collingham, Nottinghamshire as man resuscitated after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch as Air Ambulance landed nearby

A near tragedy brought people together and showcased a heart-moving display of community spirit that resulted in a man's life being saved.

Several football matches were being played yesterday (Sunday) at Station Road, Collingham when a man in his 60s collapsed during a walking football game.

The incident happened at around 11.30am and luckily for the man, a nurse was also on the field playing in the same game.

"Within seconds the nurse told people to get the club's defibrillator and for someone to contact the ambulance," said an eyewitness.

"She then commenced CPR, she stepped up and took charge of the situation.

"The man's heart had stopped and within two or three minutes of him collapsing, the defibrillator had been applied.

"The ambulance was there in about ten minutes, and a ground unit arrived initially with first responders.

"A helicopter from the Air Ambulance then landed on one of the football fields and that match had to be stopped.

"They managed to resuscitate the man and he was stabilised.

"The report that has come back is that he is now in a satisfactory condition.

"We were so lucky to have the expertise of a nurse who took control of the situation and managed to save the man's life.

"She organised everything and kept calm, her intervention was the difference between life and death."

The man who collapsed is from Retford and travels to play walking football at Collingham with his older brother.

The incident is the latest of many across the district that highlights the importance of defibrillators.

It also illustrates the crucial impact people with medical training can have when it comes to saving lives in the community when such situations happen.

"The football club raised money for a defibrillator a few years ago and thankfully we had it on hand," said the eyewitness.

"The funding for the maintenance of machines in Collingham is done through the parish council and the Gusto Community fund has also donated money to upkeeping defibrillators in the village.

"We hold sessions for social Walking football on a Sunday.

"It is designed to be enjoyable and good exercise for people of any age.

"There is a good age range, the oldest is 85 with both men and women joining in the matches.

"It goes without saying that it is very important that older people keep fit and continue to exercise into their old age.

"There will always be risks for older people doing exercise so it is of the utmost importance that these vital facilities such as defibrillators are available."

Officials from the club praised everyone who was involved and said that it was a great example of what can be achieved when people come together.

A referee from another game and several others approached to assist when the incident occurred.

"The walking football is a friendly environment and it was great to see everyone come together during an emergency," said match organiser, Pat Douglas.

"We were fortunate that everyone came together and it was a great thing to witness people help somebody in their time of need."