Julie Brooking faced a heart-stopping moment when she found her husband, Adrian, in bed, “stone cold and rock hard.” After initially believing the worst, Julie and her son, Oliver, jumped into action to save him. Adrian, a 55-year-old diabetic, had a life-threatening incident when his insulin pump malfunctioned, leading to a dramatic drop in his blood sugar levels—a near-death experience he barely remembers. Waking for a bathroom break, Julie noticed something was off. At first joking about her husband’s odd sleeping position, she soon realised the gravity of the situation. Frantically, she and Oliver called 999, desperately trying to revive Adrian with chest compressions. Miraculously, Oliver’s bear hug manoeuvre brought Adrian back to semi-consciousness just as paramedics arrived. Rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre, Adrian received urgent treatment, ultimately being dubbed “the luckiest man in here” by doctors.


Even though he is recovering at home now, the family remains deeply affected by the ordeal. Julie is vigilant, waking at 3am to ensure Adrian’s well-being. Adrian is grateful to be alive, acknowledging the life-saving efforts of his wife, son, and the paramedics. The insulin pump manufacturer is investigating the malfunction, but answers remain pending. Despite the terrifying event, the Brooking family feels fortunate, cherishing each moment together and hopeful for Adrian’s full recovery.

Here’s to family, resilience, and being grateful for those late-night bathroom breaks! Stay safe and keep your loved ones close. ❤️