Boy who `died' for seven hours fighting fit.

A DOCTOR described yesterday how he and colleagues brought a toddler back to life more than seven hours after he was discovered face down in a pond.

The battle to save two-year-old Joe Towey was the longest resuscitation yet carried out in the UK, he said.

He had been discovered by his parents, Michael Towey and Jennifer Nock, in the water at his Birmingham home on Boxing Day and rushed to the city's Heartlands Hospital.

Eight doctors and nurses led by Dr Nick Makwana worked non-stop to revive Joe, who has since made a full recovery from his life-threatening ordeal.

Dr Makwana said: ``When he pulled through it made you think: `Gosh, this job is so worthwhile'. ''

The medic said Joe survived because the cold water, coupled with the chilly winter weather and his small size, caused his temperature to plummet suddenly, sending him effectively into a deep freeze which prevented brain injury.

Using cardiac massage equipment, the medical team worked for more than five hours to make Joe's heart beat again with another two stabilising him.

Joe was yesterday back at his home in Yardley Wood celebrating the arrival of his new brother, four-day-old Jack.

Mr Towey, a builder, said: ``Joe was dead, he was completely gone. But the staff at Heartlands were amazing.

``I don't know if he survived because of his strength or because he is lucky, but he is back here with us and causing more havoc than normal. ''

CAPTION(S):

Joe Towey was brought back to life more than seven hours after being found in a pond