Gordon races again after heart attack

A 55-year-old man took on last weekend’s Moorgreen Duathlon after suffering a heart attack at last year’s event.

Gordon Birkin completed the Moorgreen running and cycling event last Sunday and said he took the plunge to ‘inspire others to keep fit and healthy’.

The 55-year-oldstarted to get chest pains just after crossing the finish line at the end of last year’s event.

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British Red Cross provided emergency aid on site, before he was taken by ambulance to the Queen’s Medical Centre where he discovered he had suffered a heart attack.

After two surgical procedures, a programme of weekly tests, information workshops and exercise classes through the NHS, one year later, Gordon felt he was ready to get active again, and wanted to inspre others to do the same.

He said: “Last year, when I told my mates I was doing a Duathlon, they said ‘you’ll hammer it’ but I’ve learnt to take nothing for granted.

“I really wanted this event to be my first event back. I just wanted to take part and my daughter was at my side this year. Sport and exercise is a lot of fun. It gets you out the house and meeting people. I won’t get back to like I was but I’m still going to enjoy it.

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People who have been seriously ill and got into exercise inspire me to keep going. If they can do it, I can do it,” he added.

Gordon had been an active runner for over seven years and was a member of Ilkeston Running Club when he suffered the attack last year.

He had competed in events including Mud Runner, the Wiggle London Duathlon and the Ikano Robin Hood Half Marathon prior to the event.

The Moorgreen Duathlon starts with a run through Colliers Wood on footpaths, pavements and trails, followed by a bike ride on roads in Underwood, Moorgreen and Watnall.

It finishes with a final run around Colliers Wood.

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