Mystery GP on train saves passenger's life

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Train worker Veronika Rogers said she told Ian Drewery: "You are going to make it, you will be here with me."

A man who was resuscitated by a GP on a train has appealed to trace her so he can say thank you for saving his life.

Ian Drewery, 69, was travelling back to London from visiting his son in Swindon in September 2025 when he suddenly collapsed.

The train stopped in Reading where station staff rushed a defibrillator on board for the mystery GP to use.

On a return visit to thank all those involved, Ian said: "I was in the right place at the right time, to be surrounded by the right people."

Veronika Rogers, who was working on the GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) train on 14 September, was one of those who assisted. She recalled that she told Ian: "I do not let you go. I was saying, 'You are going to make it, you will be here with me.'"

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Ian was reunited at Reading Station with some of those who helped him

At Reading Station, GWR worker Jack McIntyre said: "Veronika alerted me on the platform and it was quite extraordinary the way she came out and alerted all of us. We got the defib, got on the train, give it to the GP that was on the train and they worked on him. It is just extraordinary that he is here today."

South Central Ambulance Service said the GP's early CPR almost certainly saved Ian's life.

He said: "It's really good to be here, to meet that people that were involved in saving my life. That lady, she give me such effective CPR and I would not be here today were it not for her. If she's listening or sees this, I truly would like her to get in touch with the BBC so we can arrange to meet."