A MAN who nearly died from a severe allergic reaction has praised the paramedics who saved his life.

Arthur Peaston, 59, a carpet salesman of Boardman Avenue, Chingford, left work early as he was suffering from a chest infection and needed to attend a doctor’s appointment.

He was prescribed penicillin and just minutes after taking the drug, Mr Peaston's throat and face began to swell and he suffered from severe itching all over his body.

But thanks to the quick action of London Ambulance Service paramedics, he was resting at home three days later on April 16 and looks set to make a full recovery.

Mr Peaston said: “It was marvellous how quickly they worked - I’m feeling lucky to be alive.

“People moan about their taxes but this is what they’re for.”

"He was given a shot of adrenalin when the paramedics arrived and was then taken to Whipps Cross University Hospital, Leytonstone.

“I’ve never had a reaction like that. I felt like I was shutting down,” he said.

His wife, Shirley, also praised the operator who answered her 999 call.

Mrs Peaston, also 59, said: “The operator kept me on the phone, telling me what to do. I just want to say a very big thank you to everybody who helped.”

She described how her husband went from looking like his usual self to seeming “hardly human” as his face swelled up and he began to sweat profusely.

“He had a minor reaction when he was about 14 but nothing since then. He just erupted,” she said.

“I dialled 999 and the paramedics arrived so fast, I couldn’t believe it. The doctor said the adrenalin was what saved his life.”