South Sydney cyclist John Alam is lucky to be alive after suffering a heart attack and collapsing into bushland in Bangor while out riding.

In what Jim Wilson described as “a dead-set miracle”, off-duty firefighter Chris Smith happened to be driving past and noticed John, coincidentally followed by a second off-duty firefighter, Peter Carr.

While the two men were administering CPR an ambulance drove past, stabilising John and giving him the chance not only to survive but make a full recovery after five days in hospital.

John told Jim Wilson his reunion today with his rescuers was “humbling”.

John Alam (right) reunites with one of his ‘angels’ – firefighter Chris Smith

“I don’t remember anything from the day at all … I had a complete loss of memory.

“I am grateful to be alive … these guys are angels.”

Chris told Jim it was “a pretty lucky chain of events”, feeling “helpless” until Peter arrived.

“We knew John was alive and breathing when he left to go to hospital, but we didn’t actually know what state he was in for a few days.

“To go and see him today was pretty amazing.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full story

Images: Fire and Rescue NSW