A man says he's "lucky to be alive" after suffering a cardiac arrest in the middle of a supermarket.

Off-duty paramedics rushed to the aid of Michael Toppin when they heard his partner's cries for help after he collapsed near the tills of a supermarket in Finchley Road, Swiss Cottage.

The two medics performed chest compressions and used a defibrillator to send an electric shock to restart Michael’s heart before London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived a few minutes later.

Two years on, the 76-year-old has now been reunited with the medical teams at Camden Ambulance Station who rushed to his aid.

Michael, formerly a creative director for ITV factual programmes, said: “I’m so lucky to be alive because people in the supermarket that day knew how to do CPR and there was a defibrillator available. My chances of recovery would have been very low if that hadn’t happened there and then.

“I didn’t have any warning. It came out of the blue. I’ve had regular medical check-ups and don’t have a history of heart problems in my family.”

Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of a defibrillator can more than double someone’s chances of survival when in cardiac arrest, which can be done by a member of the public before ambulance crews arrive.

Ambulance service crews including Chloe Hobson, Alex Evans, Emily Hurrell, Sylvia Egels and Andy Parker treated then took Michael to a nearby hospital.

Chloe Hobson, who was the first paramedic on scene, said: “This is the first time I’ve met someone after we’ve treated them for a cardiac arrest. It almost brought me to tears seeing him live his best life now.

“It makes it all worthwhile and gives me goose bumps. The reunion was an important day for him but also for the crews who cared for him on scene. It was incredibly wholesome.”

Since the cardiac arrest, Michael still makes regular trips to Lanzarote, his favourite place in the Canary Islands.

"I often go back there because the climate makes me feel better," he said.

“I’m not back to my full strength but I’m starting to play tennis and go swimming to get my strength back.

"I’m alive.”

To raise vital funds for CPR training and to buy more defibrillators, LAS is hosting The London Life Hike on September 8.

Participants can choose between a 20km walk past the iconic London landmarks.

Alternatively take part in a family-friendly 5km stroll in Battersea Park.