Football fan to meet police officer who helped save his life ahead of Maidstone United's National League South match against Dartford

A quick-thinking police sergeant leapt into action to help save a football fan's life when he collapsed into a diabetic coma ahead of a match.

Heroic PS Rob Sweetland will be presented with a plaque at Maidstone United FC’s National League South tie against Chelmsford today to thank him for rushing to the aid of club volunteer Ian Flin.

The fan was in the pub garden at The Malt Shovel, Dartford, alongside his mum Chris ahead of the Stones' Easter Monday 1-0 victory at Princes Park when he fell to the ground and started to fit.

Sgt Sweetland quickly began to give him first aid, cooled him down with an ice pack and helped to clear his airway.

Type 1 diabetic Mr Flin was then rushed to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford and ended up in intensive care.

Maidstone chief executive Bill Williams has since spoken to Sgt Sweetland to thank him for what he did and invited him to the Gallagher Stadium for the club's game against Chelmsford.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the guy at the game,” said Mr Flin, who is also a Millwall fan and lives near to Maidstone's ground at Watt Court, Chimney Avenue.

“If he went past me now, I would not have a clue who he was.

“It will be great to give him what we are going to give him. It’s like an award, really.”

His mum Chris is also excited to meet Sgt Sweetland.

His friend Trevor McDonald said: “She just wants to grab hold of the policeman, give him a big hug and say thank you.”

Mr Flin recalled what he could remember from the day.

The 46-year-old said: “Me and my mum had gone to get a bite to eat before the game. We went to the Malt Shovel before the game to soak up the atmosphere.

“I said we should make our way to the ground after a drink. I can remember getting up and my legs went and that’s