Yorkshire swimmer backs CPR campaign after historic Loch Ness challenge

A Stokesley swimmer who survived a cardiac arrest has made history – and is now supporting Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s Restart a Heart campaign to encourage more people to learn CPR.

Nick Parkes, 65, has become the first cardiac arrest survivor to swim 22 miles - the full length - of Loch Ness, one of the most demanding open water swims in the world.

His achievement comes three years after he collapsed during the 2023 national open-water championships at Rother Valley in South Yorkshire. The event team pulled him from the water and performed CPR before the arrival of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Nick was taken to hospital and later underwent a double heart bypass. After a long rehabilitation, he rebuilt his strength and returned to competitive swimming.

He is now sharing his story in support of Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s Restart a Heart campaign, which will teach CPR to around 35,000 students at 168 secondary schools across Yorkshire this year.

Nick said: “CPR saves lives. Defibs save lives. I’m only here because someone knew what to do and I am excited to share my story in support of Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s Restart a Heart campaign.”