MORE than £2,000 was raised for heart charities as AFC Bournemouth and Luton joined forces to raise awareness of cardiac health.
The two teams played their rearranged fixture on Wednesday, March 13, after Luton captain Tom Lockyer had a cardiac arrest in the first game in December.
The 29-year-old returned to the ground as guest of honour and was given a standing ovation, before the ground applauded to thank the medical staff who saved his life in the 59th minute of the game, when the previous game was stopped.
Cherries emerged victorious on the night, coming back from 3-0 down to win 4-3.
Prior to the game, the Cherries Trust, Talking Cherries and the club organised an initiative to raise awareness to cardiac health and to support fans’ mental health.
Representatives from the Bournemouth Heart Club were also present to give advice and information.
At halftime, Lockyer joined members of the Cherries Trust and the Luton Town Supporters Trust as they handed over donations to be split between the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the Bournemouth Heart Club.
The Luton trust gave £1,268 and the Cherries Trust donated £750.
Lockyer said: “It was emotional to be here tonight, especially considering that it was only three months ago in this stadium where I almost died. I’m forever thankful to the medical staff for performing prompt CPR and defibrillation – it’s no doubt that their actions saved my life, and means I am now able to enjoy life as a new dad.
“My story shows just how important it is to know CPR, and that’s why I’m calling on everyone to learn this lifesaving skill with the BHF’s RevivR training tool. It takes just 15 minutes and you could learn how to potentially save a life.”
The BHF estimates that every 90 minutes, at least five people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Fewer than one in ten people survive, often because those around them don’t have the confidence or knowledge to perform CPR or use a defibrillator.
RevivR can teach CPR and defibrillation in just 15 minutes using just a mobile phone and cushion, which can more than double the chances of survival.
The course can be found on the British Heart Foundation website.
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