Ex-Arsenal and Tottenham players join new team in Wembley reveal to save lives after heart scares

Fabrice Muamba, Tom Lockyer, and former Tottenham player and manager Glenn Hoddle have formed an inspiring team named the 'Re-Starting 11' tasked with saving lives from heart-related conditions.

Unveiled at Wembley Stadium, the team is comprised of players and supporters who have either survived cardiac arrests or played a significant role in the lifesaving process - all committed to promoting the essential importance of CPR knowledge.

Managed by football veterans Graeme Souness and Hoddle, the 'Re-Starting 11' also includes the likes of Derby County's Megan Tinsley and Wigan Athletic's Charlie Wyke.

This line-up is leading Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation's new campaign, 'Every Minute Matters', aimed at training an impressive 270,000 individuals, enough to fill three Wembley Stadiums, in critical lifesaving CPR over the next year.

Speaking on his involvement, Souness, who battled coronary heart disease himself in his 30s, endorsed the cause, stating: "CPR saves lives - and you only have to look at our Re-Starting 11 to see that," reports the Daily Star.

Souness added: "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."

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He stressed the critical nature of the situation, saying: "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 through RevivR.

"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."

In the UK, the statistics are stark: over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually, which is at least five every 90 minutes. The survival rate drops by as much as 10% each minute that passes without CPR.

Tragically, less than one in 10 victims survive, often because bystanders don't have the skills or confidence to perform CPR. The Every Minute Matters campaign is urging everyone to take just 15 minutes, the time it takes for a half-time break, to learn CPR using the charity's online tool, RevivR.

Sky Bet has pledged a whopping £3million to support the vital work of the UK's leading heart charity, kicking off with a generous £10,000 donation for every goal scored during the EFL Play-Offs.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, CEO of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), commented: "Millions have watched as players and fans have suffered devastating cardiac arrests in football stadiums - cardiac arrests really can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time."

She further highlighted the initiative's impact: "Every Minute Matters will equip thousands of fans with lifesaving CPR skills, giving them the confidence to step in during the ultimate medical emergency.

"It will also improve access to defibrillators in communities across England, and fund millions of pounds of ground-breaking research into new treatments and cures for heart conditions.

"With the support of legends from the world of football who have been affected by devastating heart conditions, this ambitious partnership will undoubtedly save lives."

The Re-Starting 11 includes:.

Graeme Souness (Team Co-Manager): The ex-Liverpool ace and boss was diagnosed with coronary heart disease. He endured several surgeries in his life and survived a heart attack.

Glenn Hoddle (Team Co-Manager): Spurs legend, Chelsea, and England former manager suffered a cardiac arrest in October 2018, thankfully his life was saved through CPR.

1. David Ginola: Ex-Newcastle United and Tottenham sensation collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest during a charity match in Southern France in 2016.

He was saved thanks to the quick thinking of friend and ex-pro footballer Frederic Mendy who performed CPR until medics turned up.

2. Fabrice Muamba: The one-time Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup match in 2012.

His heart stopped for 78 minutes as medical teams on the field, including a cardiologist in the crowd, fought desperately to save his life.

3. Tom Lockyer: The Welsh national player passed out while playing for Luton Town during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final last year.

After experiencing an atrial flutter, he underwent a procedure to treat it. However, he later suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League match against Bournemouth in December 2023. Thanks to the quick actions of club medics who performed CPR, his life was saved.

4. Charlie Wyke: The Wigan Athletic striker had a cardiac arrest during training in November 2021, with his heart stopping for four minutes.

His life was saved by then-Wigan boss Leam Richardson, who performed CPR until club doctor Jonathan Tobin took over.

5. Megan Tinsley: The Derby County defender was diagnosed with atrial septal defect (ASD) at the age of three - a condition where there is a hole between the two collecting chambers of the heart. She underwent surgery two years later to correct the issue.

6. Claire Bailey: The Doncaster Rovers employee visited her GP with what she thought was a chest infection and was referred to Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

There, she had a cardiac arrest. Following an urgent heart transplant. Bailey has returned to work at the club.

7. Adam Dodd: A semi-professional footballer, Dodd suffered a cardiac arrest at home. His life was saved by his girlfriend Kat, who performed CPR until paramedics arrived. He has since returned to playing football.

8. Lukas Jonassen: Amateur footballer, Jonassen had a cardiac arrest while playing six-a-side at North Kesteven Leisure Centre in Lincoln. Tom Dunning, a member of the opposing team, was the lifesaver for Jonassen, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a match. Thanks to Tom's quick thinking and CPR skills, Jonassen has since made a full recovery.

9. Lee Stevenson: The Sunderland fan owes his life to his fiancee Amy Stevenson. After suffering a cardiac arrest at home, Amy administered CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive. He has since recovered well.

10. Andrew Barnett: Cardiff City supporter, he had a cardiac arrest while playing in a dads vs lads game. Ben Clarke, the leisure centre duty manager, saved his life by administering CPR. He has since made a good recovery.

11. Nick Thomas: Regular SCA football player, he experienced a sudden cardiac arrest during his usual Thursday night football match in early August 2023. Three of his teammates saved his life by performing CPR for 15 minutes. He has since made a full recovery.