Bargain Hunt antiques expert John Cameron shared a harrowing experience as he recounted his close call with a heart attack minutes before cameras were set to roll.
Recovering comfortably at home, John took to social media to thank the NHS – whom he credits with saving his life.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded last week, as John was preparing for his appearance on the BBC show.
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John Cameron admitted to hospital
What started as business as usual for the auctioneer took a sudden and perilous turn, when John found himself suffering a heart attack.
Emergency services acted swiftly, rushing him to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth with “sirens blazing”. The TV star then underwent emergency surgery.
A stent was fitted to clear and manage the blockade in his artery. As he recovers, John has turned to Instagram to express his gratitude. Sharing a picture of himself at the hospital, he acknowledged the hard work of the NHS staff.
“On a day when junior doctors stage a one-day strike over back pay, I would like to pledge my support and say a huge thank you to the St Mary’s hospital drop-in centre,” he wrote.
His praises did not end there. “The paramedics ‘Jess’ and ‘Cat’ who transported me to Queen Alexandra Hospital with sirens blaring, and the amazing emergency team in theatre who fitted me with a stent unblocking the artery that caused me to have a heart attack just 10 minutes before I was about to film a BBC Bargain Hunt auction at my firm Nesbits in Southsea.
“Not sure how many of my 9 lives still remain but I definitely lost one yesterday.” John added.
He also shared a quote from Chinese philosopher Confucius: “We have two lives, the second one begins when you realise you only have one.”
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‘Burning the candle at both ends’
The beloved Cash in the Attic star also lightheartedly promised to slow down his fast-paced lifestyle.
“I will now be switching to a more friendly and renewable light source over the candle I have been burning at both ends! Sorry also to my wife, children, grandchildren, staff and friends for scaring the ‘Eartha Kitt’ out of them. #SupportTheNHS,” he concluded.
Now out of the woods, John’s follow-up post features his Border Terrier, Polly, and him in a T-shirt symbolically printed with “the beat goes on” over an ECG line.
His audience has been quick to respond with an outpouring of well wishes and relief.
“Get well soon John,” one fan commented.
“Hope you are feeling better and starting to heal,” another added.
A third wrote: “Hope you are doing much better.”
Read more: Bargain Hunt star Natasha Raskin Sharp gives birth following secret pregnancy
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