Salford triathlon competitor’s disbelief at mid-race heart attack

Mr Pilkington pulled up by the side of the course, where his symptoms continued to get worse, before a passer-by called for help.

He said at first he was thinking “I can recover from this, it’s just a bit of heartburn or indigestion”, and was considering getting back on his bike.

But race organisers got him into an ambulance and took him to Wythenshawe Hospital after finding he had suffered a heart attack.

Mr Pilkington is now home following treatment and said he was “feeling fine”, with his sights set on a return to the Salford triathlon next year.

He praised those in charge of the event for their “professional, efficient” response, and said he was thankful to the passer-by and staff at the hospital.

“Time was of the essence, and the reaction of all saved from me a worst-case scenario,” he added.