Sometimes, the bonds of friendship reveal themselves in the most unexpected ways. This is a story of quick thinking, bravery, and a little bit of luck that changed the course of a life forever.

Shannon Jeffries was gearing up for her favorite part of the week—a round of golf with her friend Darren Oliver in the picturesque English countryside. Just as she was about to head out, Darren called to cancel, claiming he was feeling unwell. Little did Shannon know, this call would soon take a dramatic turn.

As they chatted, Shannon noticed something unsettling. Darren was sitting in his car, but suddenly, his voice faltered. His expression seemed to turn gray, and just moments later, the phone dropped from his hand. Panic surged through Shannon as realization set in: something was dangerously wrong.

Grabbing her keys, she swiftly dialed the Bewdley Pines Golf Club to get Darren’s address. Every second felt like an eternity as she raced to his location. Upon arriving, her heart sank when she found him slumped over the steering wheel, unconscious.

Without hesitation, Shannon called for an ambulance. The operator’s instructions echoed in her head: clear his airways. But as she looked at Darren, whose weight made it impossible to drag out of the car, she quickly adapted. With a significant effort, she tilted his head back, hoping to keep him stable for the paramedics who were on their way.

Just as help arrived, Darren suffered a heart attack inside the ambulance on the way to the hospital. The emergency responders worked quickly, successfully resuscitating him. Yet, even after that, his heart faltered again. Doctors delivered heartbreaking news to Shannon: she might need to say her goodbyes.

In one last effort to inspire her friend, she reached into her golf bag, pulling out a Titleist golf ball. “Squeeze this and fight, Darren!” she urged. To her relief, he did just that, grabbing onto the ball tightly as if it was a lifeline.

Darren needed emergency surgery, during which doctors placed two stents in his arteries. The weeks that followed were filled with uncertainty, but Shannon remained a steadfast support, visiting him throughout his two-and-a-half-week recuperation.

Months later, the signs of recovery were evident. Darren had lost over 112 pounds and was back on the golf course, swinging clubs alongside Shannon once again. Their friendship grew even stronger, so much so, they decided to give back by participating in a 36-hole golf challenge that raised over $2,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

“I can’t express how grateful I am to Shannon,” Darren said, reflecting on that fateful day. “It’s unsettling to think what could have happened without her quick action.” He cherished the Titleist ball she had given him, now a symbol of life and friendship. “It’s in my bag as a reminder—she’s not getting it back!”

This incredible story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being there for each other, no matter the circumstances. If you have a friend to share it with, let them know how much they mean to you!