A WOMAN was brought back to life by a passer-by after she collapsed and stopped breathing in a shop yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).

Maureen McCartney, 78, collapsed in Next in Bancroft, Hitchin, shortly after 2.15pm.

Ambulance crews from Hitchin, Cheshunt and Letchworth attended the scene, as did the Herts Air Ambulance which landed in Hitchin Boys’ School.

An ex-paramedic performed CPR on Mrs McCartney, and it is thought to be down to this that save her life.

East of England Ambulance Service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “The ex-member of staff was in the right place at the right time and has no doubt helped save this woman’s life.”

Land and air ambulance crews stabilised Mrs McCartney before she was taken by road to Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

She is due to undergo an operation, but is stable.

Mrs McCartney’s daughter, Lorna Hubbard, would like to thank the person who saved her mother’s life.

She contacted the Comet, and asked the good samaritan to come forward.

“Even though she was ill, she was keeping us all amused and making the nurses laugh,” she said.

“I would like to track down the person [who saved her life], just to say thank you.”

Do you know who the good samaritan was? Email laura.burge@thecomet.net or ring 01438 866206.