Andrew Rosbrook set to run 470 km one year after his heart stopped beating
OTTAWA, May 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Starting at 8am, from the Police Memorial on the west side of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Toronto police Const. Andrew Rosbrook, 48, of 54 Division, will begin a planned 470-km run — exactly one year from the day he died.
On May 5, 2013, Rosbrook was within sight of the finish line of Toronto's annual spring half-marathon when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. He doesn't remember the event; in fact, after hitting about the 15-km mark, he doesn't remember anything until he awoke at St. Michael's Hospital hours later, with a second chance at life and 10 stitches on the gash to his chin he suffered when he collapsed.
Co-sponsored by Two Men and a Truck - Canada and Heathwood Homes, Rosbrook's "New Life Marathon" celebration run will raise awareness for the need for public access AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillator), like MIKEYs.
Joining Const. Rosbrook on the run is his father; following in a chase vehicle will be Const. Rosbrook's wife and mother.
DAY 1 ITINERARY (May 5, 2014)
Run Starts
8:00AM - PARLIAMENT HILL (Police Memorial - west side of the Hill)
9:30AM - 258 HUNT CLUB. RD. (Plaza at Riverside Dr. / Hunt Club Rd. - near Ottawa airport)
1:00pm - MANOTICK (St. Brigids Church, 2015 River Rd.)
7:00pm - KEMPTVILLE (The Clock - Clothier St. W. / Prescott St.)
One year ago, It was the alarmed scream of a fellow runner as Rosbrook hit the ground that brought over Det. Laurie McCann, who was handling traffic detail nearby, and an off-duty physician there in support of his wife; a paramedic and a paramedic in training soon joined the CPR efforts to revive Rosbrook.
In response to a radio call, two paramedics with a MIKEY arrived by bicycle, and administered a shock to the chest that started Rosbrook's heart and saved his life after he'd been without a pulse or a heartbeat for over five minutes. He was running again just one month later.
Many support runners including his wife Sandy and mother Anita will accompany Rosbrook for portions of his "New Life Mikey Marathon" celebration run, but it is his father Mike who will be his most constant companion.
Stops on Rosbrook's Ottawa to Toronto route will include Kemptville, Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Napanee, Belleville, Trenton, Brighton, Cobourg, Port Hope, Newcastle and Oshawa before he finishes (approx. 6pm, May 12) where his story began, at the same Ontario Place (Toronto) location of last year's finish line. Runners are encouraged to join Rosbrook anywhere along the route.
"A MIKEY defibrillator played a crucial role in my survival and recovery, and my hope is that one day they'll be commonplace in our society," Rosbrook said. "To help spread that message, I will run, walk, crawl or stumble 60 to 70 km a day to the finish line of the race that nearly ended my life last year."
"Our goal is to make defibrillators as common and as readily available as fire extinguishers," says MIKEY Network chairman and Heathwood Homes president Hugh Heron. "That someone like Rosbrook — a young, impeccably fit runner — can suffer such a life-threatening cardiac event is precisely the reason why. This can happen to anyone, at any time. We're thrilled that he's here with us to embark on this run, and to help spread this vital message."
MIKEYs are portable, user-friendly electronic devices that automatically diagnose potentially life-threatening heart rhythms; if a problem is detected that may respond positively to an electric shock, a MIKEY delivers that shock to restore normal heart rhythm. Use of a defibrillator can increase a cardiac arrest victim's chances of survival by up to 70 per cent, if administered in the first few minutes.
To learn more and to support the "New Life Marathon" contact: https://www.facebook.com/newlifemarathon?ref=stream
ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, in business for nearly 30 years, currently operates in the United States, Canada, Ireland & the UK with over 240 locations and 1,700 moving trucks. In 2005, Heron Capital Corporation, one of the Heron Group of Companies secured the Canadian Master Franchise rights. The company has a 96 per cent customer referral rating and 21 Canadian franchises and is active in the Canadian Association of Movers. They were recognized by the Canadian Franchise Association as the 2014 Award of Excellence category Silver winner in the Non-Traditional Franchises - New/Emerging.
Visit www.twomenandatruck.ca.
@TwoMenCanada
ABOUT HEATHWOOD HOMES
Heathwood Homes—one of the Greater Toronto Area's leading builders of new home communities—provides its customers with the feeling they're 'Home at Last®,' from the time they drive into their neighbourhood, to the moment they step through their front door. The company has built its reputation for quality brick-by-brick over three decades by providing industry-leading customer service, and enjoying a level of success derived directly from the skills of its experienced construction personnel and hands-on management team. Heathwood Homes' passion for workmanship is reflected in both the design and construction of every new home that bears its brand. Visit www.heathwood.com.
@HeathwoodHomes
ABOUT THE MIKEY NETWORK
The Mikey Network, founded in 2003, is a registered Canadian charity working to create public awareness and provide education about heart-healthy lifestyles. To date, more than 1,500 MIKEY defibrillators have been placed across Canada, and 19 lives have now been saved. The Mikey Network was named for Mike Salem, a valued partner at Heathwood Homes and The Heron Group who experienced sudden cardiac arrest and died on a golf course in 2002. Other Mikey Network programs include: Mikey's Kids - The Mikey At Home Program, The Mikey's Young At Heart School Defibrillator Program, Mikey On the GO, and Mikey Cops Are Tops. For more information or to donate, visit www.mikeynetwork.com.
@MikeyNetwork
SOURCE: Mikey Network
David Eisenstadt / Samantha Martin
tcgpr (The Communications Group Inc.)
416-696-9900 ext. 36 / 24
[email protected] / [email protected]
Const. Andrew Rosbrook Cell (During the May 5-12 run) # 416-731-5838
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