A school teacher says she 'wouldn't be here' if it wasn't for boyfriend's life-saving actions after she suffered an out-of-the-blue cardiac arrest age just 24. Rachel Kennington collapsed in October 2024 after taking a shower at home.

The year four teacher at St Bernadette’s Primary School, in Nunthorpe, was saved by her boyfriend, 29-year-old Matty Flay, who gave her CPR until an ambulance arrived. She was rushed to the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital, in Stockton , where she remained in intensive care for a week.

"There’s no doubt that Matty saved my life," said Rachel. "We all say he’s an absolute hero and I’m so very grateful. I genuinely wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him."

Matty, who works as a telecoms engineer, heard Rachel fall to the floor in a dressing room

See Full Page