A MAN from Prestatyn completed the Conwy Half Marathon in little more than two hours, just nine months on from suffering a heart attack.

Martin Gill, 60, who has a hereditary heart condition and lost both of his parents to cardiac arrests, said he “knew something wasn’t right” when, last February, his left arm became numb.

He attended Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, where it transpired that he had a heart attack, and where he received “absolutely amazing” treatment.

But Martin, who works at Prestatyn Golf Club and is a member of Prestatyn Running Club and St Asaph Striders, did not let such a setback spell the end of his running days.

And on November 17, he ran the Conwy Half Marathon for a fourth time, finishing in an impressive two hours and four minutes.

Martin said: “I started running six years ago to help me overcome severe bouts of depression. I was on antidepressants for years, but running just became my natural drug.

“I just wanted to get back to doing it again. Two months after (his heart attack), I started jogging/walking at the Nova Parkrun, and by August, I was running up to 15 miles a week.

“I did feel emotional when I crossed the finish line in Conwy, just because of what I’ve been through. It took me back to February, lying in bed, thinking if I’d ever run again.

“Since I’ve had my heart attack, I’ve met others who had heart attacks, some of whom can’t run anymore. I count myself very lucky, really.

“I don’t worry about times. I’m just glad to be running again.”

Martin spent three days in Glan Clwyd in February, during which time a balloon was inflated to treat his coronary arteries.

Members of both of his running clubs cheered him on in Conwy on November 17, meanwhile.

He added: “I’m on lots of medication, but I’m fine now.

“I felt quite calm when they were operating on me in hospital; it was only when I went back to the ward that I got a bit emotional.

“The support I’ve had from Glan Clwyd has been absolutely amazing. Even now, they still keep in touch and check in with me.”