A volunteer who thought he had coronavirus but actually suffered a heart attack has praised staff at the hospital where he was treated – just days after he delivered food parcels to them.

Dr Richard Evans, who lives in Arkley and teaches at Mill Hill County High School, has been taking part in a community effort to deliver food parcels to hardworking hospital staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 58-year-old, who described himself as “reasonably fit”, was also in training for his sixth London Marathon and running 10 km every other day.

When he began to suffer cold-like symptoms, Dr Evans thought he may have caught Covid-19 – and rather than seek medical help, he stayed at home and self-isolated.

“During the run-up to the heart-attack, I thought I had Covid-19,” Dr Evans said. “I had a cold and no shortness of breath. I was staying at home, trying not to be an impediment to the NHS.

“I don’t smoke or drink; I go out and play football. Both my mum and dad lived to very old ages.”

But after suffering “excruciating” pain, he called an ambulance and was rushed to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, where he was told he had had a heart attack.

“It was a major shock,” Dr Evans said. “They told me it was a heart attack.

“The Royal Free is an excellent hospital. The doctors and nurses – to them it was a normal day.

“The treatment was superb. They took time to explain what was going on, why they were doing it and how it would affect you.

“They are under enormous pressure, but they did not show it or even talk about it.

“I’d been to the hospital three or four days before my heart attack and delivered 80 to 100 food parcels for the staff. We were delivering to workers who had made a massive contribution. I didn’t expect to end up there being treated.

“If people need medical help, they should use it – not try and protect it.”

Dr Evans is now back at home and on the road to recovery. He is trying to relax but continuing to do casework for his students, saying it is “important they continue to do their work”.

And he is still planning to run the London Marathon with his son Jamie when it is next held – expected to be on Sunday, October 4.

“I’m running for a local charity,” he said. “I told my heart doctor and he said, ‘as long as you are sensible, it is ok – but do not rush it, and take your time’.

“I felt I was fit prior to the heart attack, and I am determined, mentally and physically, to get back to where I was.”

Dr Evans has already had his T-shirt signed by guitar legend Eric Clapton, who he knows through a cricket team.

He has so far raised more than £60 for charity Livability, which connects disabled people with their communities.

To sponsor Dr Evans and his son, go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/GoodEvans