Tottenham pastor credits 90-year-old churchgoer with saving his life

Pastor Jude Jeanville suffered a stroke but was cared for Doreen, by a member of his congregation, until he could get medical help, reports Anna-Louise Adepegba

A Tottenham pastor has credited a 90-year-old member of his congregation for saving his life after he suffered a stroke.

Jude Jeanville, the pastor at Tottenham Lighthouse SDA Church, spent four hours waiting for an ambulance at the home of 90-year-old Doreen Cunningham after becoming seriously unwell following the transient ischaemia attack (TIA), a type of stroke.

Doreen, a retired auxiliary nurse who remains active in her community, drew on her training to care for Jude as he lay semi-paralysed in her living room.

Jude said: “I think Doreen is an exceptional inspiration in the community, bringing food and drinks to church, helping out, and this was another extraordinary thing she has done.”

The medical emergency came after an emotional funeral service for 22-year-old Ashante Collington Francis in November 2025, the granddaughter of a parish member. He described the day as “historical for both reasons”.

“It was a very interesting, life altering day,” said Jude. “I remember the very emotional service with over 300 people, the most I have ever seen, then I insisted on dropping a few members home before I attended the reception.”

One member, Rose Ellis, assured Jude she could make it home on her own. Shortly afterwards, Jude began to feel unwell near Doreen’s home.

“I just felt light-headed, I knew I was not well. Doreen pushed that we go inside, and the last thing I knew is that I sort of passed out,” he said.

Doreen helped Jude by massaging him, giving him something ‘awful’ to smell and a hot drink before he began “slipping away”. She also called on three church board members to assist her while they waited for an ambulance.

After four hours of waiting, Jude eventually went to his home in Watford. The following day, he was admitted to Watford General Hospital for one night, where doctors assessed him and treated him for the TIA.

“I did not intend to go to hospital, but Doreen and others kept telling me to go. I had called 111 again, asked them to contact my GP and explain the situation. It was one of the craziest days of my life, first time I’ve really been hospitalised,” he said.

Jude praised the intervention of his church members, who he said “pulled out all the stops”, as well as the doctors, nurses and support staff who cared for him at the hospital.

“People often talk negatively about the NHS, but I have to thank God and the professionals for the level of care I received. I was treated after 15 minutes like they said, ran every test they could and treated me.”

Jude has since returned to church service after five months of sick leave and says he feels like himself again, while Doreen continues to check in on him frequently.

“Returning to service was an ecstatic feeling. I live for the community and this parish has really changed my philosophy. We use most of our church money for social justice and help.”

Jude now remains on medication for the rest of his life, and says the experience has also made him reflect on colleagues he has lost to strokes, putting his own experience into perspective. He also adds that while he’s happy to be back, he often feels upset that he can’t remember some of the congregation’s names, who he cares deeply about.

Jude remains thankful to Doreen for being there and assisting so much help despite her age. “I want to honour and highlight Doreen. For 90 years she’s just incredible, and brave, an amazing part of the community, shows she’s not too old to care.”

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