A MUM of seven who nearly died on her birthday when she suffered a cardiac arrest is determined to do her bit for the community after it rallied to help her family.

Liz Millington's children came close to losing their mother three weeks before Christmas last year. Now, although she is still recovering, she is working to help others by collecting clothes, toys and household items to be donated to charities including the SWA Survivor Shop, Prospect Hospice and the Nelson Trust.

The 51-year-old from Upper Stratton said: "You never know when you’re going to fall on hard times. I’ve been through a cardiac arrest which was a complete surprise as I hadn’t been unwell before that.

"I do quite a lot of walking and keep fit. So you never know what’s going to happen. The community came together to help me so now I want to give back.

“My children nearly didn’t have a mum and I didn’t see it coming. My son acted quickly and called the ambulance, they were here so fast and the staff were amazing."

"The charity giving gives me purpose and something to do especially when you’re in a bad place," she said. "Lots of people think it’s old age men who get it but it’s a lot more common than it seems. People don’t tend to think it’s women in their 50’s really."

Liz spent three and a half weeks at the Great Western Hospital where she was put on life support. Although she is better, her recovery is continuing. She is currently unable to do her job as a dog-walker and still suffers seizures.

“I said to my kids because we’ve recovered we have to give back. It’s very easy to give but harder to receive. I’ve always given to charities but I’ve never had to receive before as I’m too proud. It makes you feel less and is not a nice position for a lot of people," she said.

“I keep doing good for people as no-one knows what is going to happen. While you’re here you may as well make the best of it. I don’t judge anyway, if a kettle is going to help then that’s what we shall give. It’s heartwarming that charities are doing good things. As I know how quickly things can spiral and things can fall apart which is absolutely horrible."

With the help of a group of volunteers, she started collecting items to donate after she had a clear-out during the first lockdown and her project gained huge support on social media.

“Swindon has got a great community and I’ve met some really lovely people doing this. We have lots of clothes, toys and baby beautiful baby clothes which is lovely so hopefully we can help quite a few people out."

Deliveries to the charity shops are on hold until the lockdown lifts.