CEO, 42, suffers heart attack on daily run in UK. Smartwatch saved his life

Paul Whapham suffered a heart attack on his daily run. (Image: wsa.wales and Representational)

A 42-year-old Chief Executive of a UK-based company and a fitness enthusiast, suffered a heart attack while out on his regular morning run. Despite his active lifestyle and lack of risk factors, Paul Wapham, CEO of Hockey Wales, was struck by a sudden, "massive chest pain" that left him on his hands and knees on the road.

Wapham managed to use his smartwatch to call his wife, Laura, who rushed him to the hospital. Wapham had suffered a heart attack caused by a complete blockage in one of his arteries.

Medical personnel performed emergency angioplasty to unclog the blocked artery and restore blood flow to Wapham's heart. Additionally, a stent was inserted to keep the artery open and prevent future blockages.

Wapham's condition further complicated when he developed pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by fluid buildup in the lungs. The quick response of the hospital staff, who were called in from home due to the early morning hour, saved Wapham's life.

After spending six days recovering in the coronary unit, Wapham was released from the hospital and is now undergoing ongoing rehabilitation.

"The care I received was brilliant," Wapham told Wales Online. "I can't speak highly enough of the staff. I am also really thankful to my wife for bringing me to the hospital because it was a shock for her as well."

Wapham has over 20 years’ experience working in sport. He is currently the CEO of Hockey Wales, the National Governing Body for hockey in Wales.

Wapham joined Hockey Wales in March 2023 after a career at the Ospreys, where he was Corporate Brand Director for four years, one of the largest sports development charities in Wales.

Wapham is also an elected non-executive board member of the Welsh Sports Association. He was born in Swansea and studied at both Cardiff Metropolitan University and The University of Bristol.