For 70-year-old Barry Wrench of Sandhurst, what began as a routine evening out to see music legend Gary Numan at the Brighton Centre on November 22, 2025, quickly turned into a harrowing brush with death—a night that would ultimately highlight the life-saving power of quick thinking and community action.
It was a chilly evening, and excitement hung in the air as fans gathered outside the Grand Hotel, just steps from the concert venue. Barry, accompanied by friends, was looking forward to the show. But as he approached the hotel, fate intervened. Without warning, Barry collapsed onto the pavement. He had gone into cardiac arrest—his heart had stopped beating effectively, cutting off blood flow and threatening his life in a matter of minutes.
What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary. According to reports from BBC and The Argus, a security guard stationed at the scene sprang into action. Without hesitation, the guard began administering chest compressions—performing CPR with the urgency and precision that can make the difference between life and death. Meanwhile, Barry’s friends dialed 999, summoning emergency help as precious seconds ticked by.
"I just remember feeling breathless. The next thing I knew, I woke up in an ambulance," Barry later recounted to The Argus, his memory of the event a blur after losing consciousness. His survival, however, was no accident. It was the direct result of a remarkable chain of events and the coordinated efforts of several individuals.
As luck would have it, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) paramedic Molly King and trainee associate ambulance practitioner Koby Rowbotham were driving past the Grand Hotel at precisely the right moment. The emergency call came through just as they were nearby, and they quickly pulled over to assist. Their arrival brought professional medical expertise to the scene, bolstering the early CPR efforts and providing advanced care that would prove critical to Barry’s survival.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Barry acknowledged just how close he came to not making it. "I was told how lucky I am, that it wasn’t my time," he shared. His gratitude is deeply personal, especially considering that this wasn’t his first near-fatal encounter—he had previously survived a bout of sepsis, a severe and life-threatening infection. These brushes with mortality have given Barry a unique perspective, one that he and his family do not take for granted.
Barry’s wife, Sheila, was profoundly affected by the events of that night. In her words, "I’m beyond grateful to everyone that helped Barry that night and that we get to spend many more years together as a family. Things like this really make you appreciate the small things, and we’re incredibly lucky he is still here with us." The relief and gratitude in her voice is unmistakable—a sentiment echoed by many families who have faced similar emergencies.
But the story doesn’t end with Barry’s rescue. In the months following his recovery, Barry committed himself to staying active, regularly taking walks as part of his rehabilitation. This renewed focus on health is a testament to the resilience and determination that often follows such life-altering experiences.
Fast-forward to February 2026—National Heart Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and the importance of CPR. Barry and Sheila, filled with gratitude, sought to reconnect with the individuals who had played such a pivotal role in Barry’s survival. The couple arranged a heartfelt meeting with the SECAmb team, bringing together not only Molly King and Koby Rowbotham but also emergency care support worker Clare Berry, associate ambulance practitioner Mark Tilley, and emergency medical advisor Lorna Harris. It was a chance to say thank you in person, to put faces to the names that had become so meaningful in their lives.
Barry expressed his appreciation directly: "If people hadn’t acted so quickly, I wouldn’t be here. I’m so thankful to everyone for what they did for me that evening." The reunion was emotional, filled with hugs, handshakes, and a sense of shared accomplishment. For the ambulance crew, it was a rare opportunity to witness the lasting impact of their work.
Paramedic Molly King reflected on the significance of the moment, telling The Argus, "It was lovely to meet Barry and Sheila in much better circumstances. This story really highlights how the ‘chain of survival’ should work and how it can make such a difference when every step comes together. I hope Barry and Sheila will be able to attend a Gary Numan concert someday." King’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnected roles that bystanders, emergency responders, and medical professionals play in saving lives.
The "chain of survival" that King refers to is a concept well-known in emergency medicine. It describes the series of crucial actions that must occur in rapid succession to maximize the chances of surviving cardiac arrest: early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support, and integrated post-cardiac arrest care. Barry’s experience is a textbook example of this chain in action, with each link—bystander CPR, quick emergency response, and professional medical care—coming together seamlessly.
Barry’s story also underscores the importance of CPR training for the general public. According to SECAmb, early chest compressions can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival in cardiac arrest. Yet, many people hesitate to act, unsure of what to do or afraid of causing harm. Stories like Barry’s are a call to action: knowing CPR isn’t just a skill for professionals—it’s a life-saving tool that anyone can wield in a crisis.
For those interested in learning more about CPR, SECAmb encourages visiting their website for resources and training opportunities. The message is clear: you never know when you might be called upon to save a life, and being prepared can make all the difference.
As for Barry and Sheila, the future now looks brighter. The couple hopes to finally attend that Gary Numan concert—this time, with a newfound appreciation for every moment. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the extraordinary impact of ordinary people coming together in a time of need.
Sometimes, it’s the small acts—a security guard’s quick response, a paramedic’s timely arrival, a friend’s call for help—that add up to something truly miraculous. For Barry Wrench and his family, those moments have made all the difference, reminding us all of the power of community, compassion, and hope.