SHOPKEEPER John McGhie got the gift of life this Christmas - thanks to a York paramedic.

John, 55, thought he was going to die after suffering a life-threatening stroke on the stairs of his convenience store.

But thanks to the quick-thinking action of his family and the fast response of paramedic Jim Brian, John is now on the road to recovery.

"I thought it was the end," said John, who runs The Ten O'Clock Shop, in Poppleton Road, Holgate, with his wife, Pam.

"I told my family that I loved them and tried to keep calm.

"But before I knew it, a paramedic was stood over me and giving me an injection - there's no doubt he saved my life."

Pam and their children, Kayleigh, 12, and John, 19, managed to carry John to a bed from the stairs following the stroke, and raised the alarm.

"My right arm and leg turned to jelly and I couldn't move," he said.

"My family were fantastic.

"John is a qualified first-aider and he unbuttoned my shirt so I could breathe more easily and made sure I didn't swallow my tongue until help arrived."

A back-up ambulance crew supported Jim, who was in a rapid-response vehicle, and took John to York District Hospital where he stayed for nearly two weeks.

Jim, who lives in Malton, said: "Our Acomb rapid-response vehicle is a lifesaver. We can be anywhere in the area within minutes.

"I'm thrilled John is on the road to recovery - it makes my job worthwhile."

John, who has run the shop for more than three years, was sent more than 50 "Get Well" cards from concerned customers.

"It gave me a real boost," he said.

"It's nice to know that people care.

"I've still got a lot of stiffness in my arm and leg which means I can't help with the heavy lifting, but my doctors are confident I will make a full recovery.

"I can't thank everyone enough."

Updated: 10:44 Friday, December 21, 2001