A glittering cast of footballers who survived life-threatening coronary emergencies have joined forces with Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation to teach more than a quarter of a million people life-saving CPR.
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness and Tottenham hero David Ginola joined forces with Luton captain Tom Lockyer to launch the groundbreaking Every Minute Matters campaign at Wembley. The initiative aims to recruit 270,000 people - enough to fill Wembley three times - to learn CPR over the next 12 months.
And EFL title sponsors Sky Bet are pledging up to £3million to support the work of Britain’s largest heart charity, starting with £10,000 for every goal scored in the play-offs across three divisions. Souness, Ginola, Hoddle and Lockyer are part of the ‘Re-Starting XI’ – a one-off team also including former Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, Derby defender Megan Tinsley and Wigan striker Charlie Wyke - who will inspire fans to tackle the ultimate medical drama.
Souness, who was diagnosed with coronary heart disease in his early 30s, said: “CPR saves lives – and you only have to look at our Re-Starting XI to see that. It’s a privilege to join a team of inspiring people, many who are only here today thanks to CPR, as we stand with Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation to call on the nation to take action.
“Every day, more than 80 people will suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK – and that’s why we need more people to learn CPR. Together we can equip thousands more fans with the knowledge and confidence to perform these lifesaving skills, because in the crucial moments following a cardiac arrest every minute really does matter.”
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Lockyer, who collapsed during last year’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final and survived a cardiac arrest in December, added: “I was lucky that in the moment when my heart stopped, those nearby knew the skills to save my life. Without the prompt actions of medical staff who gave me CPR and defibrillation, I simply wouldn’t be here today – and I’m forever grateful for that.
“That’s why I’m joining the Re-Starting XI as we call for more football fans to learn CPR. If every fan in every club took 15 minutes to learn CPR, it could help save thousands of lives.”
Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed twice on the pitch in eight months (James Marsh)There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year - that’s five every 90 minutes. Each minute that passes without CPR reduces the chance of survival by up to 10 per cent.
Tragically, fewer than one in 10 people survive - often because those around them lack the skills or confidence to perform CPR. To kick-start the campaign to tackle the problem, Sky Bet and BHF will this month harness the platform and drama of the Sky Bet play-offs to unite football fans and the wider British public behind one clear goal – saving lives.
Every Minute Matters will urge everyone to take just 15 minutes – the length of the half-time interval – to learn CPR with RevivR, the BHF’s free and easy to use digital tool. The simple course requires no medical experience and can be completed with just a mobile phone and a cushion for practice.
Graeme Souness and Glenn Hoddle have both had heart scares of their own (James Marsh)After completing the training, 97 per cent of users feel confident enough to give CPR and use a defibrillator. Sky Bet Chief Commercial Officer Steve Birch, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our title sponsorship of the Sky Bet play-offs and it’s amazing to take our involvement even further and work with the British Heart Foundation to create the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign.”
*To find out more about the British Heart Foundation’s work, and the RevivR online learning tool, go to www.bhf.org.uk
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