A woman about to get married took quick action to save her partner’s life just before their wedding by administering CPR for 20 minutes when he collapsed during a walk. Justyce Crossman and her fiancé David Robinson, 21, were returning to their car after visiting a waterfall in Hafren Forest near Llanidloes, Wales, as part of Justyce’s birthday trip.
Shortly before reaching the carpark, David suddenly collapsed face down and started convulsing. Justyce, maintaining her composure, immediately called emergency services and performed CPR as David became unresponsive. Paramedics arrived 20 minutes later and used a defibrillator to stabilize him before transferring him to Glan Clwyd Hospital in Denbighshire, Wales.
At the hospital, David was diagnosed with a rare heart defect called Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA). He was then moved to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for open-heart surgery to address the issue and install a permanent defibrillator.
ALCAPA is an uncommon condition where the left coronary artery originates from the pulmonary artery instead of the aorta. Despite its rarity, David had lived with this condition undetected for 21 years. Justyce believes that her quick CPR actions saved David’s life and emphasized the importance of knowing this lifesaving technique.
David expressed gratitude towards Justyce for her swift response, as he cannot recall the event but is thankful for her actions. He is optimistic about his recovery and looks forward to resuming his hobbies, including playing cricket and working as an electrician. The couple, engaged since March 2025, is now actively involved in fundraising for defibrillator charity Missed A Beat to install more public defibrillators.
Justyce, originally from Australia, had prior nursing training and is now inspired to become a paramedic after the incident. She stresses the significance of CPR knowledge and encourages others to learn this vital skill. The couple’s bond has deepened through this experience, with Justyce expressing the profound impact of saving someone so dear to her.