At last year’s Melbourne Marathon, thousands of runners crossed the finish line with medals, cheers and celebrations waiting for them.

But for 29-year-old Lewis, the day almost ended very differently.

As he crossed the finish line, after having completed the half-marathon, Lewis suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest. Among the crowds and confusion, St John Ambulance Victoria volunteers Drew and Svetlana rushed to help.

Working alongside other St John first responders, including Khalan, another volunteer who was part of the crew on the day, as well as event commanders and liaisons, the pair immediately began lifesaving treatment. With Khalan’s help, they cut open Lewis’ shirt while Drew began CPR. Svetlana then applied the defibrillator, delivering the shock that brought Lewis back to life and made him conscious enough to respond to her questions.

As both Svetlana and Drew describe it, a moment of relief for the team, who fully relied on their St John Ambulance training, teamwork and instinct in a moment where every second mattered.

Seven months later, the volunteers were reunited with Lewis for the first time, sharing hugs, tears, laughter and a moment none of them will ever forget.

“I wouldn’t be here without them,” Lewis said.

“To finally meet the people who helped save my life was incredibly emotional. They gave me a second chance.”

For Drew, Svetlana and Khalan, the reunion was just as powerful.

As St John volunteers, they have supported countless events and emergencies across Victoria. But meeting someone whose life they helped save is something few volunteers ever experience.

“You never really expect to see the person again,” Svetlana said.

“In those moments, you just focus on helping and doing everything you can. Seeing Lewis healthy and smiling today was incredibly special.”

Drew agreed.

“When something like that happens, your training just kicks in,” he said.

“But standing here with Lewis now, hearing about his life and future plans, it really reminds you why volunteering matters.”

The reunion quickly turned from emotional to uplifting, as the group spent time chatting about life beyond the marathon.

Lewis shared that he and his partner, Isabella, to whom he recently proposed after 10 years together, are preparing for a new adventure as they move to Canada. The destination is a familiar one for Drew, who has previously lived there and now studying nursing in Melbourne, and he was quick to share travel tips, favourite places and handwritten advice to help the couple prepare for their big move.

What started as a life-saving encounter became an unexpected friendship.

“It’s amazing how life works sometimes.” Lewis said.

Drew smiled as he added: “Who knows, maybe we’ll catch up over there one day.”

Stories like this are a powerful reminder of the impact volunteers have every day in communities across Victoria.

From major events to emergencies, St John Ambulance Victoria volunteers dedicate their time to helping others, often stepping into situations that can change lives forever.

For Lewis, their actions meant everything.

“It’s extremely hard to put into words the impact that they had on my life and my family’s life,” Lewis says with tears in his eyes. “It’s amazing that people give up their time to go to events like this and work; people have the skills to be able to have such a positive outcome on other people’s lives; it’s amazing.”

They were there for me and I’ll never forget that.”  He said.

You can watch their reunion below: