A VIOLENT seizure has left a 38-year-old man having to relearn how to use the left-side of his body.

Spennymoor couple Michael Hallas and partner Gemma Turnbull were planning a cinema trip when Mr Hallas was gripped by the frightening medical episode which nearly killed him.

The incident happened in October last year following two weeks of headaches prior to the seizure.

Miss Turnbull, who made the 999 call, said: “I was at home with Michael and everything was normal. We were sat talking about going to the cinema when suddenly he just started having a seizure.”

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) responded but requested the assistance of a Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) doctor due to Mr Hallas’ agitation.

Miss Turnbull said: “When the ambulance came, Michael didn’t know where he was and couldn’t talk. The paramedics tried to keep him calm but it wasn’t working – that’s when GNAAS were called out.”

GNAAS doctor Phil Godfrey and paramedic Tim West treated Mr Hallas before airlifting him to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Dr Godfrey said: “When we arrived at the incident Michael was very agitated and still upstairs in his bedroom.

“We sedated him and then were able to move him downstairs safely and into the ambulance.

“We then put Michael in a medically induced coma to take over his vital functions and protect his airways while we airlifted him to James Cook University Hospital.”

Mr Hallas went on to stay at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for several weeks before being transported to Walkergate Park Hospital for a further three months’ rehabilitation.

He said: “With being predominantly left handed, I had to learn to do everything again. It was hard to do.

“I just want to say thank you for everyone who helped me, I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

Mr Hallas recently had the chance to come back to the GNAAS base at Teesside International Airport with his family to thank the crew who saved his life.

He added: “Donate as much as you can, because they’re saving a lot of people. If it wasn't for them I'd be dead."