Stuart Burgham, a clerk in RAF Coningsby's Training and Development Flight, suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Woodhall Spa on 3 May 2026. With no warning signs and no earlier symptoms, the 54-year-old collapsed while watching television with his wife, Sarah.
Recognising that something was seriously wrong, Sarah immediately called 999 and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while awaiting emergency help. Volunteer responders from the Lincolnshire-based emergency response charity LIVES arrived within minutes and took over lifesaving treatment before ambulance crews and specialist medical teams reached the scene.
Following multiple cardiac arrests and several weeks in hospital, Mr Burgham underwent surgery to receive an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), a device capable of monitoring and correcting potentially life-threatening heart rhythms. Despite extensive tests, medical specialists have been unable to find the cause of his cardiac arrest.
Mr Burgham, who previously served for more than 22 years as a member of the Royal Air Force Police, said:
"I had absolutely no symptoms beforehand. Earlier that weekend I had been running, exercising and carrying on as normal. One minute I was sitting watching television and the next I was unconscious. Without Sarah's quick actions and the support from LIVES, I simply wouldn't be here today."
After spending time in intensive care and cardiology wards, Mr Burgham returned to work at RAF Coningsby in August on a phased basis.
Speaking about his recovery, he said:
"It's been really good to get back to work and get back to some sense of normality. I've still got some recovery ahead of me, but being back with colleagues has made a real difference."
Determined to give something back, Mr Burgham has signed up to take part in the Lincolnshire Half Marathon in support of LIVES, the charity whose volunteers provide rapid medical aid across rural Lincolnshire before ambulance crews arrive. He said:
"I didn't originally plan to return to distance running this soon, but when I heard LIVES were looking for people to raise awareness and funds, I wanted to help. Whether I run the whole distance or run and walk doesn't matter. I just want to complete it and raise as much money as possible for an organisation that played such a huge role in saving my life."
Mr Burgham also paid tribute to his wife, Sarah, the emergency responders who treated him, and the support he received from friends, family and colleagues across RAF Coningsby and the wider RAF community. Donations to support Mr Burgham's fundraising efforts can be made via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-burgham-6
Squadron Leader Clare is Officer Commanding Force Development Squadron. She said:
“We’re all incredibly proud of Stu for taking on this challenge for LIVES – the Lincolnshire charity whose volunteers support our community with rapid medical aid before ambulance crews arrive and who were pivotal in saving his life. Most people celebrate a second chance at life with a holiday, but Stu has decided to take on a half-marathon instead. This choice really is no surprise to anyone who works with him, and as his recovery progresses it’s brilliant to see him channel his renewed energy into raising money for a fantastic charity.”
