A MAN from Wigton has thanked an unknown family and emergency services for saving his life after he suffered a medical episode whilst walking along the banks of the River Eden.

Martin Pullan, 56, was out otter spotting near Engine Lonning when he collapsed on Saturday afternoon at around 1pm (March, 18).

Emergency services arrived on the scene to initiate life-saving procedures at 1:15 pm.  

The photographer, who has a pacemaker fitted, said if it wasn’t for the family passing by, noticing him at the other side of the river and contacting emergency services, ‘he probably wouldn’t be here today’.

"When the police got to me, I’d become unresponsive. They gave me CPR at the side of the river.

"I’m here thanks to the family who alerted the police to the situation, otherwise it might have been very different.

"Without that family raising the alarm, I probably wouldn’t be here today.

"The family left, when the police were doing CPR, I just wanted to say thanks for all they did for me,” he said.

Members from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service used rescue rope equipment alongside a stretcher to lift Martin from the banks of the river.

Martin was then passed onto the North-West ambulance service for further care.

"Many thanks to the police for giving me CPR, the fire service crews and North-West Ambulance for your excellent services,” Martin said.

The owner of Martin Pullan Media will be having further tests this week.

Martin hopes to get back out on his wildlife tracking search soon but will be resting this week as he's still suffering from a sore chest. 

Describing the incident, Cumbria Fire and Rescue said: "Two fire crews attended a rescue of a casualty from banking by the River Eden in Carlisle. 

"Firefighters used rope rescue equipment and a rescue stretcher to extricate on casualty, who received care from North West Ambulance Service.

"Crews were on the scene for two hours and 30 minutes," they said. 

Subscribe today and join our growing digital family. Pages will load 80 per cent faster and you'll only see ads for local businesses. You'll also get full access to our app, 50 new puzzles and crosswords every week, and hundreds of reader offers. Sign up here.