A 38-year-old father of two who suffered a heart attack at Manchester Airport is now urgently waiting for a heart transplant. Jamie Maclean, known as Jambo by colleagues, collapsed three weeks ago at STS Aviation Services and was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital.
Collapse and complications
After a stent was unsuccessful, Jamie flatlined and had to be resuscitated. Fluid in his lungs led to pneumonia, causing his heart, kidneys, and liver to fail. Doctors placed him in an induced coma, from which he woke on Friday (August 7). He then chose a full heart transplant because 'nothing was working' and he 'just wants his independence back'.
Colleagues rally around
Colleague Phoebe Morgan, 32, described Jamie as 'the epitome of sunshine and the embodiment of happiness'. She said: "He collapsed at work early in the morning going into a shift. Thankfully, because we’re by the airport hangar, there were emergency services nearby that came and assisted immediately."
Phoebe added: "I can’t even put into words how great he is. There’s roughly 400 people that work here and the energy has completely changed since he’s not been here." Jamie, a sheet metal mechanic and supervisor, enjoys climbing, camping, hiking, swimming, and biking.
Fundraiser success
The GoFundMe page, launched by colleagues, raised over £4,000 within 24 hours and is nearing its £10,000 goal. The wider STS Aviation Services network, including its US parent company, has supported with salary sacrifices and personal donations. Phoebe said: "It makes me emotional every time I look at it and see how kind everyone is. Honestly, even a pound from anyone makes us eternally grateful."
