We have seen more heart attack cases among football players in recent times than we have ever seen before. During Euro 2020, Denmark’s Eriksen suffered a heart attack and he couldn’t play football again, we also saw the same happen to Barcelona’s Aguero and now Charlie Wyke suffered a heart attack.
What is going on?
Charlie Wyke of Wigan lost consciousness while practicing, collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest, and required CPR. Wyke was lucky to have people around who saved his life.
“My life has been saved by the actions of the gaffer [Leam Richardson] and the club doctor Jonathan Tobin, and my story may well save another life” He said after he regained consciousness.
Wyke Charlie issued a lengthy statement thanking those who played a huge role in saving his life and those who sent him well wishes. “First and foremost, I just want to stress my sincere appreciation to the club’s medical staff and the NHS staff who have cared for me after I was taken into hospital last week. In particular, I would like to mention Dr. Rob Cooper from the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for everything he has done for me over the last week or so.
“I feel it’s important to tell my story to our supporters and to the wider public, because my life has been saved by the actions of the gaffer [Leam Richardson] and the club doctor Jonathan Tobin, and my story may well save another life. Wyke said.
“As you are aware, I collapsed during training on Monday. I suffered a cardiac arrest and required CPR, and I am told it was only the quick response of the gaffer to initiate the resuscitation process and then the continuation from the Doc that saved my life. I will be forever grateful that due to their actions – and those of my team-mates and other staff – I am here to talk to about the experience.
“Thankfully, just a few weeks ago, the training ground staff had received CPR training, which has clearly proven to be life-saving with the way in which the gaffer reacted to my collapse and initiated the CPR on the training pitch. I think that sends out a message of just how important it is that coaches and staff have that training.
“The support from my team-mates over the last few days has been incredible; the gesture to celebrate with my shirt at Plymouth just goes to show what a top group of lads we have here at Wigan. I’ve heard the fans singing my name when I’ve been watching the games from hospital too, which has been amazing to hear – I’m really thankful for that support.
“I have received thousands of messages from supporters of all of the clubs I have played for, the wider football community and beyond, and the well-wishes have meant the world to me and my family. It was a real boost for me to see the photo of my former teammates at Sunderland wishing me well – a class touch from a great set of lads.
“I’m looking forward to going home to my son, partner and friends and family for the next few days.
“I can’t wait to get back to the training ground next week to see the lads, where I will start some light training that begins the process of hopefully being able to get back to full training with the team next year.
“Thank you for all of the support. Charlie.”
Wigan Athletic chief executive Mal Brannigan said the club has received a lot of support from fans and well-wishers.
“I’d echo Charlie’s sentiments that we are incredibly grateful to the quick thinking and reaction of Leam and the doc as well as the staff and players at the training ground last Monday,” he said.
“Clearly it was a traumatic experience for those that witnessed Charlie’s collapse and everyone has rallied together to support one another in the days that have followed.
“As I said last week, the absolute priority for everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is Charlie’s health and wellbeing and we’ll continue to provide support to Charlie and his family.
“We’re looking forward to Charlie’s return to Christopher Park next week; as Leam mentioned at the weekend, Charlie isn’t just an excellent footballer, but a really good person that is so popular amongst his team-mates and the staff here.
“The chairman [Talal Al Hammad] and I have been able to speak to Charlie on the phone, he’s been watching every minute of our games from hospital and I know he is eager to watch the lads at the DW next week.
“On behalf of everyone at Wigan Athletic, I would like to express our gratitude to the football family for the well-wishes we have received on Charlie’s behalf.”
Wigan owner Al Hammad said the club will rename their South Stand the “Leam Richardson Stand” to honour his heroic actions.
He tweeted: “I would like to thank Leam Richardson for his endless contribution to this wonderful club. He has continued to show that the club’s best interests and players are always his priority.
“Through the hard times, the ups and downs, Leam has been there, always offering his full support, advice and encouragement. For that we will always be grateful. Last week, Leam made some brave, quick decisions that saved Charlie Wyke’s life.
“In honour of Leam and all that he has done for the club, players and fans, we will be renaming the South Stand to the Leam Richardson Stand.”
Charlie Wyke was taken to the hospital after he was stabilized on the football pitch. He stayed at the hospital until he was allowed to go home.
