West Lothian cardiac arrest survivor urges others to stay active this World Heart Day

A West Lothian pensioner who survived a cardiac arrest while playing badminton is encouraging people to stay active this World Heart Day (29 September), while highlighting the importance of access to lifesaving defibrillators.

Iain Muir, 75, was recently reunited with the Xcite (West Lothian Leisure) staff members who helped save his life after he collapsed at Xcite Craigswood, Livingston, in May 2026.

Iain had just finished a game of badminton when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Xcite Duty Manager David Mowat, supported by colleagues at the venue, responded immediately, carrying out CPR and using a defibrillator before paramedics arrived.

Iain, who has been a Xcite member for more than 15 years, remembers playing one game of badminton and coming off court, but then nothing else until he woke up in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary days later. He has since undergone a double bypass and is recovering well, with hopes of returning to badminton later this year.

After being reunited with David and the Xcite Craigswood team, Iain said: “It was quite emotional and I’m really thankful. They were really professional, and it was a demonstration of good teamwork. Any place where the public are, there should be defibrillators there because it does save lives, and I’m proof of that.”

Before his cardiac arrest, Iain, who is married with a daughter, two granddaughters and a great-granddaughter, played badminton at Xcite Craigswood twice a week. He believes remaining active before the incident has helped with his recovery and is determined to get back to doing the activity he enjoys.

Iain added: “The doctors were quite surprised by how quickly I went through the phases they expected me to go through. I think keeping active has helped me with my recovery, and I’m looking forward to getting back into badminton when I’m able. This experience has changed my outlook on life. I live every day to the fullest.”

World Heart Day aims to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and encourages people to take steps to protect their heart health, including being physically active.

David has worked with Xcite for seven years and is currently Duty Manager at Xcite Craigswood. He believes regular staff training allowed the team to act quickly and confidently when Iain collapsed. He said: “One of the other badminton players came to reception and said first aid assistance was needed in the sports hall. Our receptionist raised it as an emergency, and we all sprinted to the sports hall.

“When I first saw Iain, I went straight into my training. I checked for danger, response, airway and breathing. As soon as I knew he wasn’t breathing, I asked for an ambulance and a defibrillator over the radio, then started compressions. Abby, with help from Chris, got the defibrillator pads on Iain and we shocked him to restart his heart. The ambulance service arrived within about five minutes and took over. The team really pulled together. It was great to see everyone getting involved, reassuring people around us and making sure we were doing everything as best we could. Seeing Iain again has been amazing.

West Lothian Leisure, which operates all the Xcite venues across West Lothian, has defibrillators available at all venues, including two at Xcite Craigswood. Staff in key operational roles receive regular first aid training and emergency response training, with monthly training helping teams stay prepared for incidents.

Victoria Finlay, Area Manager at Xcite Craigswood said: “We’re delighted to see Iain recovering so well and back at Xcite Craigswood to meet the team who saved his life. At a time of crisis, they responded with such professionalism and care. We are incredibly proud of them.

“World Heart Day is an important opportunity to encourage people to look after their heart health and stay active, but Iain’s experience is also a powerful reminder of why access to defibrillators and regular staff training are so important in community spaces. We look forward to seeing Iain back at Xcite Craigswood when he is fully better.”