A WOMAN who called 999 when confronted with a 21-year-old jogger in cardiac arrest on the banks of the Thames has praised the ‘community effort’ which helped save his life.

Miranda MacQuitty, from Stevenage Road, Fulham, came across Maxi Ducam-Davies collapsed on the towpath near her home. She did not have her phone with her when she popped out for a stroll but luckily a nearby postman handed her his mobile so she could make the emergency call.

She was prepared to try her hand at reviving Maxi, having been trained in CPR as a keen scuba diver, but, fortunately, a professional in the shape of a junior doctor was jogging towards the scene and took control.

Ms MacQuitty, a writer, said: "I yelled at her that something serious had happened and asked if she could help. I was relieved because it’s a very different thing being trained to do something to then actually having to do it in real life. She immediately got to work on Maxi and really did a superlative job."

The doctor, who is now working abroad, began her revival effort while neighbours from nearby Millshot Close helped in any way they could, with some bringing pillows and blankets to make Maxi more comfortable.

Ms MacQuitty, 56, said: "She was doing the CPR for what seemed like an inordinately long period at the time but was probably only a couple of minutes. Then another man took over before the ambulance came. The effort it took to bring him round was immense and it really showed the community in a good light."

Maxi was rushed to Charing Cross Hospital and was given defibrillator shocks to restart his heart. Amazingly, he has recovered and is back studying at Nottingham University after his collapse on December 21.

Ms MacQuitty said: “I'm just so pleased to hear that he is alright. The person who deserves all the credit is the doctor - they way she took control and managed the situation was wonderful.

“It just shows the importance of learning the CPR technique because you don't know when you are going to come across something like this. And it is probably a good idea to take your phone with you when you pop out for a walk, too!”