A MAN who survived being stabbed through the heart has donated £2,000 to the firefighters who saved his life.

Bill Reeves was brought back to life twice by firefighters outside St Mary's fire station after the attack .

All ten members of Red Watch leapt into action after a Mercedes A class sped-up with the injured man slumped in the passenger seat.

After dragging the victim out of the vehicle, the firefighters successfully performed cardiac massage for five minutes while they waited for paramedics to arrive.

Now Mr Reeves, managing director of Complete Commercials in Redbridge, Southampton, has made a four figure payment into the firefighters' welfare fund to say thank you for saving his life.

The 28-year-old, photographed handing over the cheque to the St Mary's crew, is still recuperating from his horrifying ordeal.

One week after his rescue by the firefighters, he suffered a stroke because of a blood clot triggered by the attack.

But he is now well on the way to recovery at his home in Woodlands in the New Forest.

A spokesperson for his company said: "Bill was very grateful for everything they had done for him.

"He fully supports them in their strike."

A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident in Northumberland Road and is awaiting trial.

Red Goddesses moved in

ARMED forces providing emergency fire-fighting cover in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during the firefighters' strike have received their first Red Goddesses.

The vehicles will be based in temporary service fire stations in Southampton, the Isle of Wight and Windsor, Berkshire.

The appliances have several advantages over the older Green Goddesses. With a top speed of 70mph, they are also equipped with a higher-pressure hose system and a longer, 10.5-metre ladder.

According to the military, the vehicles have placed the Red Goddesses where their additional capabilities will be most useful. Their positions also reflect the busiest areas during the recent strike.

Today is the last day of an eight-day national strike by full-time firefighters as they fight for a 40 per cent pay increase to take their salaries to an average £30,000.

Military crews have undergone a 48-hour conversion training package to familiarise themselves with the new vehicles.

Brigadier Richard Morris, who is in charge of the emergency firefighting operation throughout the area, said the Red Goddesses were a welcome addition to the equipment used by the forces.

"Despite their age, the Green Goddesses have proved to be extremely reliable. They may not have all the equipment of a modern fire appliance, but they have a powerful pump to put water on a fire.

"The chief advantage of the Red Goddess is its speed, although the more powerful pump is also a major benefit. The larger ladder means we can provide cover for taller buildings than we can with a Green Goddess."

He added: "We may well get more vehicles if the industrial action continues, and we will look carefully at where they can be best used.

"Our priority is to save lives and maintain essential services."