Tom Lockyer doing well after cardiac arrest, thanks those who saved his life
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Luton Town's Tom Lockyer collapsed on the field during the subsequently abandoned match against Bournemouth on Dec 16.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer said on Dec 31 he was “doing very well” after he suffered a cardiac arrest
The Wales international was admitted to hospital on Dec 16 after he collapsed on the field
He was discharged on Dec 20 after an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device was fitted. An ICD is a type of pacemaker, which can prevent fatal cardiac arrests by discharging an electric jolt to restore a regular heart rhythm.
The defender previously had surgery to correct an atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate, after collapsing during Luton’s Championship play-off final win against Coventry in May, which the club said was an unrelated issue.
“I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself,” the 29-year-old defender wrote on Instagram.
“The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics. I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes.
“They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.”
Lockyer's post included a picture with the names of the doctors and officials who helped treat him.
“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.
Luton returned to action on Dec 23 with a 1-0 home win over Newcastle United
“Seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name being sung really did mean a lot to me and my family,” Lockyer said.
“While I’m sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me. The fighting spirit I’ve seen in the last three games has given me a much-needed lift.
“I will be doing whatever I can in whichever ways are possible to help the gaffer (manager) and the club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I’m due to meet with specialists in the new year.” REUTERS, AFP
