A woman from Teigngrace who nearly died of a brain haemorrhage last year was reunited on Saturday with the paramedic who helped save her.

In a happy coincidence, while in hospital she found out the emergency services worker had been her husband's best friend at primary school.

Lucy Avery was thrilled to meet up with life saver Paul Robinson at his home in Dawlish for the first time since the ordeal.

In the weeks leading up to the haemorrhage, Mrs Avery had been feeling unwell and put constant headaches down to grieving for her father, Dave Barrett, who tragically died in Spain in September 2007.

Mr Barrett, who was a well known barber in Newton Abbot, was on a break in Spain with his wife Patricia when he noticed a fire in his neighbour's garden. He went to tackle it and lost his footing. He hit his head, was knocked unconscious and died of smoke inhalation.

Two months after his death Mrs Avery collapsed at work and was rushed to hospital for a life-saving operation.

'Devon Air Ambulance came and wanted to take me to Derriford, Plymouth, but due to the bad weather I was taken to Exeter and transferred to Plymouth by Ambulance,' said Mrs Avery.

'I don't remember a lot about what happened, but I know the paramedic kept me calm throughout.'

On hearing the news Mrs Avery's husband, Glyn, rushed straight to Derriford to be with his wife. It was then he realised it was his school mate, Paul Robinson, who had helped to save her.

'I went to St Joseph's Primary School with Paul and we were best friends growing up,' said Mr Avery.'

'I am forever grateful for the work Paul and other paramedics did to save Lucy.'

Surgeons performed drastic surgery on Mrs Avery.

'I had a five-and-half-hour operation. My skull was cut open and plates and bolts were put in my head,' she said.

'Doctors also found an aneurysm which they have clipped and another one which is deep in the brain which they are watching.

'Only around one third of people who have a brain haemorrhage survive, so I am very lucky to be alive.

'There is no explanation to why it happened, it could happen to anyone.'

Mrs Avery now takes every day as it comes and has made a great recovery.

'I get headaches and mix my words sometimes, but I am happy to be alive.'

As a surprise, Mr Avery took his wife to meet Mr Robinson on the couple's anniversary at the weekend.

'I didn't recognise him but knew his calm voice,' she said.

'We are definitely going to all stay in contact now.'

Mrs Avery would like to thank the paramedics, surgeons, her work management and colleagues for their help and support.

'I really wouldn't be here now without my colleagues' quick reaction and the fantastic work of the Devon Air Ambulance and staff at Derriford Hospital,' said Mrs Avery.