BBC Bargain Hunt star rushed to hospital just 10 minutes before filming after suffering heart attack
John Cameron (centre) with Natasha Raskin Sharp and Stephanie Cornell on Bargain Hunt
BBC
BBC Bargain Hunt star John Cameron has paid a "huge thank you" to NHS staff after he was rushed to hospital following a heart attack.
The incident occurred just 10 minutes before he was scheduled to start filming an episode of the long-running BBC show earlier this month.
Cameron took to Instagram last week to share the news with his followers, revealing he'd had to have a stent fitted to unblock an artery.
Alongside a snap of him giving a thumbs-up gesture from his hospital bed, Cameron wrote in the accompanying caption: "On a day when junior doctors stage a one day strike over back pay, I would like to pledge my support and say a huge thank you to the St Mary’s hospital drop-in centre...
"The paramedics ‘Jess’ and ‘Cat’ who transported me to Queen Alexandra Hospital with sirens blaring, and the amazing emergency team in theatre who fitted me with a stent unblocking the artery that caused me to have a heart attack just 10 minutes before I was about to film a BBC Bargain Hunt auction at my firm Nesbits in Southsea."
Reflecting on the incident, Cameron continued: "Not sure how many of my 9 lives still remain but I definitely lost one yesterday.
"To quote the great ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, ‘we have two lives, the second one begins when you realise you only have one.’ I will now be switching to a more friendly and renewable light source over the candle I have been burning at both ends!
"Sorry also to my wife, children, grandchildren, staff and friends for scaring the ‘Eartha Kitt‘ out of them. #SupportTheNHS."
Inevitably, fans and friends rushed to the comments to wish Cameron well, including one who penned: "Oh gosh John, i am really sorry to hear this - wish you a speedy recovery, sending you a big hug, get well soon x."
"John. Feel better soon. You are in the best hands x," a second added before a third echoed: "Oh my dear John boy sending you my love and healing energy. Sending love."
BBC Bargain Hunt: John Cameron is one of the show's team of antiques experts
BBC
And another weighed in: "What a shock! But glad to hear that you’re in good hands and on the mend!"
Cameron appears to remain in high spirits as he continues to recover from the heart attack, sharing an insight into his rehab programme yesterday.
Sharing a snap of his van and moped, he penned: "Phase 1 of my rehabilitation is no more cigarettes, much less alcohol and more exercise, ie use the gym membership I have been paying for and not using for years!!!
"Phase 2 of my rehabilitation is to get my scooter and motorcycle back on the road and make time to use them instead of just paying for them and not using them like gym membership!
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
BBC Bargain Hunt: John Cameron regularly appears on the BBC show
BBC
"Thanks to Gary Wells and Allstyles Scooters for helping me with phase two. Hadn’t ridden her for 2 years now she starts first kick again." (sic)
Cameron is yet to announce when he'll return to work lending his expertise to bargain hunters once more.