Tom Lockyer, the Luton Town captain, has thanked the individuals who saved his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League match at Bournemouth on 16 December. The 29-year-old collapsed in the 59th minute, leading to the abandonment of the game.
Lockyer was discharged from hospital five days later after having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted. In his first public comments since the incident, posted on Instagram on New Year's Eve, he described the actions of those who helped him as heroic. “The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics,” he said. “They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.”
The defender specifically named Phil Ballett, Abbey Clark, Dean Fernee, Adam Todhunter, Dr Craig Roberts, Dr Mufeed Ni’man, Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing, Simon Parsell, Chris Phillips, and Dr Amos Ogunkoya. He also praised the support from Bournemouth, Luton Town chief executive Gary Sweet, manager Rob Edwards, and the club.
Lockyer had previously collapsed during the Championship playoff final in May and underwent surgery for atrial fibrillation. He returned for the start of the current season but is now awaiting further specialist meetings to determine his future involvement. “While I’m sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me,” he said.
Urging others to learn CPR, Lockyer highlighted the British Heart Foundation’s resources. “I cannot stress enough how important it is for as many people as possible to know CPR. It literally saves lives, like mine,” he added. He concluded by wishing everyone a happy New Year and expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support.
