POLICE sergeant Chris Hams has set himself the goal of completing Bradford on Avon’s 10k run after returning to work at the town police station following a heart attack.

Sgt Hams, who returned to work on April 10, suffered a heart attack at the station on December 13 last year.

He fell ill soon after arriving for duty at the station, suffering with severe chest pains and headaches, before collapsing.

He was supported by a cleaner while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

Sgt Hams, 46, said: “I knew it was serious and I just felt relieved that there was somebody with me. It could have turned out differently if Steve, one of our cleaners, hadn’t been about.

“So, I’d like to say thank you to him and PCSO Vicky Huntley for supporting me and ensuring an ambulance got here as quickly as possible.”

An ambulance arrived within five minutes of the 999 call and the officer was taken to the Royal United Hospital, Bath, for surgery.

He stayed there for several days and has since been on a cardiac rehabilitation course.

The father-of-two, who has made a good recovery, said: “It is really good to be back. I’m really looking forward to serving the people of Bradford on Avon and the surrounding area once again.

“In my absence, I was kept abreast of what was happening and I provided advice whenever I could from home. I have had a lot of support from Wiltshire Police, which I’m very grateful for, and I’ve also written a letter of thanks to Great Western Ambulance for all the help they gave me.”

Sgt Hams has regularly visited the gym during his recovery and now plans to take part in the DBMax 10k run, from Barton Farm Country Park, on May 19.

He said: “This is going to be a significant personal goal for me, which I am looking forward to completing.”

Sgt Hams said his training for the 10k was going well and that he was also looking into fundraising work for the British Heart Foundation later in the year.

He said: “It’s been a very good recovery and, when you go through an experience like that, it makes you value and appreciate each day.”

For more information about the DBMax 10k, visit www.boasport.co.uk.