Army nurse Major Colin McMillan is used to dealing with blisters and heatstroke when soldiers take part in exercises.

But during a recent 100-mile route-march in Holland, his medical skills helped save the life of a fellow soldier.

Colin, 43, used to work at Princess Margaret Hospital as a nurse in the cardiac care unit.

He was also in the Territorial Army but has now been seconded full-time to work alongside the regular army and is currently serving in Northern Ireland.

The drama happened during the Nijmegen marches in the Netherlands, which attracts 40,000 serviceman and civilians from across the world.

The event, in its 84th year, challenges participants to push their stamina to the limit.

The man who suffered the heart attack was taking part as one of an Army Cadet Force. He has since written to Colin to thank him for saving his life.

Colin, of Wroughton and a member of The Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, said: "He was actually helping another woman who had fainted and called me over when he fell ill himself. He went very pale and said he was suffering pains, so I took the rucksack off his back and monitored him until help arrived and he was taken off.

"He has since written to me and he is well on the way to recovery. I was just pleased to get help to him quick enough."

Colin used to be based at RAF Wrough-ton before moving across to the Army.

He has taken part in several Nijmegen marches, which this year attracted entrants from as far as Israel, Japan and South Africa.

He said: "I come back for the atmosphere. I have made so many different friends from so many countries. We all know each other by sight, and we have a drink and walk together for a couple of hours. The marches are something that we have gone through together."

Although everyone taking part in the Nijmegen marches admitted that the going was sometimes tough, all agreed that team spirit kept them going.

Songs could be heard all along the march route, and marchers were given a hero's welcome when they reached the beer tent at the end of each day.

Colin's mother Emma McMillan lives in Swindon. His father Samuel died in 1974.