An East London father who was clinically dead for 10 minutes following a massive heart attack has written a book detailing how the experience transformed his outlook on life. Matthew Allick, 43, from Romford, collapsed after a cardiac arrest caused by a pulmonary embolism in August 2023 and was declared dead for several minutes before medics revived him.
A Life-Changing Ordeal
Matthew, a model and actor, began experiencing shortness of breath and swollen feet at the end of August 2023. He was rushed to hospital, where he suffered a cardiac arrest. Medics used a defibrillator and performed CPR so forceful it caused internal bleeding. He was clinically dead for 10 minutes before being resuscitated and placed into a coma for three days.
Describing the sensation, Matthew said: 'It felt like a peaceful sleep. I had no recollection of events when I woke up.' Scans revealed blood clots the size of a cricket ball on his heart and lungs, requiring multiple surgeries to remove them.
Writing as Therapy
More than two and a half years later, Matthew channeled his experience into a memoir titled Life After Being Clinically Dead. He said: 'To put it all down was therapeutic. It was easy because it was my story. Sometimes people are shocked when they hear it, but I don't understand why—until I saw it written down, I realized I've been through a lot. I was brought back to life, so no challenge can deter me.'
The book covers the days before his heart attack, what death felt like, and the 18 months of recovery. Overcoming dyslexia was his biggest hurdle; he dictated the book into a Dictaphone. Since its release, it has sold over 1,000 copies on platforms like Amazon and Waterstones.
Rebuilding After Death
After his heart attack, Matthew endured a grueling year: a relationship breakdown, redundancy, financial struggles, and a health scare with his son. But his fortunes changed: he became engaged to his best friend, bought a home, and his children are thriving. He also landed acting roles, including on EastEnders and a Postcode Lottery advert.
He reflected: 'Life throws challenges. You can cry and have a pity party, or take the road I did. I cried for a day or two, then figured out how to rebuild. I actually died. It changed my outlook. Life is too short to worry. I'm here for a reason.'
Giving Back
Last October, Matthew visited Hammersmith Hospital to thank the doctors who saved him and is planning a reunion with the paramedics. He now gives motivational talks and works with the Blood Foundation to promote blood donation—seven blood transfusions saved his life. He said: 'My health will never be the same, but I focus on what I can do with what I have.'
Matthew takes blood thinners indefinitely and cannot do sports or cook, but remains positive. His book aims to inspire others to donate blood and face challenges head-on.
