A MAN who thought he was dying today offered his public thanks to an ambulance crew who saved his life.

Father-of-three Donald Turner suffered terrifying breathing problems after cutting the grass in his back garden.

His wife Jean immediately dialled 999 as her husband of 41 years fought for every breath indoors.

A rapid response ambulance car was despatched to the couple's home at Woodley Close, Romsey.

The crew - paramedic Clare Carpenter and trainee technician Darren Hobson - administered oxygen and ensured Mr Turner was comfortable.

A few minutes later an ambulance arrived to take the 63-year-old toolmaker to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

Mr Turner, who works for Metabo Powertools in Nursling, Southampton, spent 24 hours under observation before being discharged.

He said of the harrowing experience in the garden: "I honestly thought it was the end - I thought I was going to die."

Mr Turner heaped praise on the first crew for coming to his aid so quickly.

"They couldn't have been more caring - they were with me constantly. I can't thank them enough."

It is not known what caused Mr Turner's severe breathing difficulties - he does not suffer from asthma or hay fever, which could have triggered the attack.

Further tests are to be carried out to see if there is any underlying medical problem.