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TOM LOCKYER feels invincible and is joking among pals that he will ‘live for ever’.
The Wales international TWICE almost died after collapsing with heart problems playing for Luton Town.
But now he is mulling over a return to the game he loves despite initially being ‘at peace’ with retirement should doctors tell him to walk away from the game at 29.
Lockyer, who now has a fitted defibrillator which shocks an irregular heartbeat back to a normal rhythm, said: “I feel safe. It’s like I’ve got a superpower now.
“My biggest joke with my friends is, ‘I’ll live forever’ — because when I’m 85 in bed, possibly dying of old age, the defibrillator will shock me back into life.
“I’m invincible!”
Football held its collective breath while both Hatters and Bournemouth fans at the Vitality watched in horror as midfielder Lockyer collapsed during a Premier League game in December.
It later emerged he had suffered a cardiac arrest just months after paramedics and medical staff saved his life at Wembley during the Championship play-off final against Coventry that May.
Lockyer had fallen to the ground unconscious with atrial fibrillation – or irregular heartbeat – and despite being clinically dead for 2 minutes 40 seconds, medics at the Dorset club rescued him and today he feels fit, healthy and back to his jovial self.
Incredibly, he is also back involved in training sessions.
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So far, it is only warm-up drills with the squad before doing rehab work with his personal coach. It is a first tentative step in a long journey to a possible return to action.
Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen was able to continue playing after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Euros for Denmark in 2021 thanks to a fitted unit.
But to have lived to tell the tale after one serious heart issue is alarming enough — but to survive a second and still want to play is extraordinarily brave.
Yet Lockyer said: “You could say that but I don’t see it that way. I’ve got my box fitted now and feel as safe as any other normal person or player.
“After it happened there was a case that maybe I couldn’t exercise again which for someone who has always been active would’ve been hard.
“I started off doing a bit of rehab to see where I could get to and what I’d be allowed to do safely. When we kept ticking off boxes, I thought, ‘Why stop now?’
“Let’s see where I get to. If I can get on the pitch again, great. If not, I’ll listen to the doctors. Just because I’m back in Luton, it doesn’t mean I’m going to play again.
“It’s not something I can rush — but it’s great to be back among the lads because I missed that changing-room camaraderie.”
EFL stars will bag the British Heart Foundation £1,000 for EVERY GOAL scored across the Championship, League One and League Two this weekend.
It is World Heart Day on Sunday, September 29.
So Sky Bet vowed to make the generous donations to support the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign, which has now helped 90,000 people learn life-saving CPR skills.
The campaign has now raised £520,000 since its launch in May and hopes to fund 80 more community defibrillators across the UK.
There are 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year – that is five every 90 minutes.
It is crucially important for people to learn how to do CPR – with just one in ten surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests due to a lack of skills or confidence to do CPR.
Eventually, the ‘Every Minute Matters’ goal is to train up 270,000 people in CPR by May 2025 – enough to fill three Wembley Stadiums.
But one thing Lockyer does want to see happen quickly is for more people to learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) — and become life-saving heroes like the paramedics that rescued him.
The EFL’s sponsors SkyBet are generously donating £1,000 to the British Heart Foundation for EVERY GOAL scored in the Championship, League One and League Two this weekend — including Friday night’s second-tier clash between Lockyer’s Luton and Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth as well as Tranmere v Salford in the fourth rung.
To mark World Heart Day, SkyBet and the charity want fans of all 72 EFL clubs to kick their fears and apprehensions about performing CPR into Row Z by learning in only 15 minutes how to be a future life-saving hero.
So far — in a campaign called Every Minute Matters — they have managed to get 90,000 members of the public to learn how to do it. Their target is to be able to have enough fans who have learned CPR to fill THREE Wembley stadiums.
Lockyer said: “Your chances of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is less than one in ten.
“The reality is if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer one, unless there are paramedics or people nearby confident enough to perform CPR, it’s not looking good for you.
“Less than half of EFL fans surveyed by SkyBet said they were confident of doing CPR.
“Imagine if someone you loved, a family member, collapsed in front of you and you didn’t know what to do — despite having all this awareness about CPR brought to your attention and not having spared just 15 minutes to learn it? It would haunt you forever if they passed away.
“I’ve done it online. It’s not rocket science and takes 15 minutes. The more people who know how to do it, the better the survival rates will be.”
Cardiac arrests don’t discriminate. You can be as fit and healthy as a Premier League footballer like myself or a 90-year-old. A man told me about his 18-month-old daughter. That hit home. That was shocking.
Tom Lockyer
An impressive £520,000 has already been raised by the campaign and the first £400,000 of these funds are being spent on 80 more community defibrillators distributed across the UK as well as training more people CPR and defibrillation skills.
Lockyer would like one day for every household to have a defibrillator — which would save many more lives — but accepts a lot of work needs to be done before they can become more affordable.
He said: “Cardiac arrests don’t discriminate. You can be as fit and healthy as a Premier League footballer like myself or a 90-year-old.
“After what happened I had a man reach out to me about what happened to his 18-month-old daughter. That hit home. That was shocking. Thankfully he knew what he was doing and she is still here today.”
Speaking about his own experiences, when Lockyer suffered his first cardiac at Wembley, during the time he lay unconscious, he revealed he dreamed that Luton won the play-off final: “Thankfully that was a reality.”
But the second time, he blacked out completely in a situation that was really touch and go. He said: “When I woke up, I knew what had happened — and as glad I was to have survived the first thought after that was ‘Oh, that my career over then.'”
However, that might not be the case after all and even if it is, Lockyer will continue to campaign passionately in a bid to save others — including this weekend.
And he added: “Let’s hope for lots of goals this weekend — some 10-10 draws would be nice! And please everyone learn how to become a hero like those that saved me.”
SCOTT MCTOMINAY has sent an incredible 1,000-word open letter to Napoli fans after joining the club.
The midfielder completed a £25million move to the Serie A side from Manchester United last month.
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 24, 2024
Scott McTominay vs Juve…
pic.twitter.com/GJH2QpTvOS
He has made two appearances since signing a four-year deal, including his full debut vs Juventus on Saturday.
Italian media outlets were left impressed with the 27-year-old’s performance as they dubbed him Napoli’s “next idol”.
McTominay was also described as “a dominant all-rounder with physique, technique and personality”.
He has also quickly become a fan-favourite after being mobbed by supporters on his arrival.
The Scotland international has now boosted his hero status even further after penning an open letter to Napoli fans this week.
He started by writing: “My name is Scott McTominay, I come from Lancaster, England and I am a central midfielder for Napoli.
“My life and career have been focused exclusively on football. My family did everything they could to help me travel across England to play football with Manchester United as a child.
“Then over the years I played in all categories until I made my debut in the first team and played a few games.”
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McTominay spent 22 years with the Red Devils before his summer switch,
During that time, he made 225 first-team appearances, scoring 29 goals and winning two major trophies.
On joining Napoli, he added: “The pride of playing here is really special and when I found out that Napoli was interested in me I felt the fire inside me.
“I wanted to come here and push as much as possible because the fans are crazy, I would say they are some of the best fans I have ever seen. Incredible.
“I can’t talk enough about the fans, the people, the city and the welcome that my teammates and coaches gave me.”
As for manager Antonio Conte, he said: “When a coach of Conte’s calibre wants to bring you into his team, it fills you with confidence and the desire to show him that you are capable of giving him a lot.
“The conversations we have had between us have all been very positive. He is very demanding, which is very, very positive for a player of my age.”
The former Chelsea boss took over at Napoli in the summer and has already got specific staff monitoring the diets of certain players.
McTominay is amongst them, with the club pledging to take extra care of his nutrition.
He signed off his message to supporters by saying: “Hello to all Napoli fans, I’m sorry that my Neapolitan is not very good, I hope to learn very soon.
“Thank you so much for the warm welcome, I am very happy to be here and ready to work for you. Thank you!”
“My name is Scott McTominay, I come from Lancaster, England and I am a central midfielder for Napoli.
“My life and career have been focused exclusively on football. My family did everything they could to help me travel across England to play football with Manchester United as a child. Then over the years I played in all categories until I made my debut in the first team and played a few games.
“I was a very competitive child, I would say to the point of being too competitive for a child. The feeling of defeat always hurts more than the feeling of pride when you win. So for me it is important to have control of this aspect. Obviously now that I’m here, I want to play very well and focus on helping the team. My football idols were Wayne Rooney and Zinedine Zidane, players like that.
“I always watched them a lot and wanted to pay attention to everything they did in the game and try to emulate them even as a child. The emotions that football has given me have been so many. I love this game, I love playing it and I have a great desire to win and be successful. I want to give my best every time I train and every time I play to give the best of myself, to help my teammates and the coach.
“The pride of playing here is really special and when I found out that Napoli was interested in me I felt the fire inside me. I wanted to come here and push as much as possible because the fans are crazy, I would say they are some of the best fans I have ever seen. Incredible. I can’t talk enough about the fans, the people, the city and the welcome that my teammates and coaches gave me.
“When a coach of Conte’s calibre wants to bring you into his team, it fills you with confidence and the desire to show him that you are capable of giving him a lot. The conversations we have had between us have all been very positive. He is very demanding, which is very, very positive for a player of my age.
“I am 27 now, I am not a kid but I am not old either. So I want to be pushed to the max and I want to play to the best of my ability to show that I care a lot and that I want to do really well. Yes, Italian football is different and I really enjoyed it. Obviously there are a lot of tactical aspects that you have to understand and study…. But for me football is football. If you apply yourself and train properly and you are fit enough to come in and you are willing to learn, then you can adapt quite quickly to the way the coach wants to play and the type of game the league is playing.
“So for me, it’s about focusing and doing my best, learning as much as I can in a short period of time to keep up and doing my best with a smile on my face, hopefully making the fans happy. My biggest dream as a person is to be happy. I think happiness is the best thing to aspire to in life, and that’s the only thing I focus on and try to be happy with my family, with my friends and with my girlfriend. It’s very important for me to always have a smile on my face. And in the end, when you have a smile on your face, you also play better football.
“In my free time, if I go to visit family, I like to spend it with my sister and her kids, my parents, my girlfriend and her family. I like to play golf, but when you train hard you can’t play golf because you have to keep your legs rested. I like to play pool, ping pong, darts. And also running. My father was a very avid runner when he was younger. He still runs now and I still can’t beat some of his five-kilometre and ten-mile times. And he reminds me of that a lot.
“Yeah, my whole family is very ambitious about sports and they take it very seriously. Something about me that no one knows about… I play backgammon, the game… It’s a board game. And maybe when I retire from soccer, I’ll be a professional backgammon player. It’s about thinking. It’s a strategic game of Greek and Turkish origin. So, yeah, I love it. I play it all the time. All the time.
“Italian is not easy to follow because… I speak fast but when I hear people speaking Italian they speak really fast and it’s hard to understand exactly what they’re saying. But as time goes by, in the last two or three weeks, I’ve learned something during the training sessions, in the hotel and in the city, and when I get a house I want to get a private tutor, because I really want to learn. I want to be able to understand everything the coach and the players are saying, which will also help me on the pitch. And in general, knowing other languages is an important skill to have in life.
“My dream is to win the Scudetto with Napoli, to win trophies and be successful. I just want to do my best to help the team, fight for the future and push my career to the max. I want to be as fit as possible and train as hard as I can for the rest of my career, which I hope will be very long.
“Hello to all Napoli fans, I’m sorry that my Neapolitan is not very good, I hope to learn very soon. Thank you so much for the warm welcome, I am very happy to be here and ready to work for you. Thank you!”
STRICTLY star Shayne Ward has revealed that he’s unable to wear shoes after gruelling dance rehearsals.
Shayne, 39, shared an insight into the realities of being a Strictly Come Dancing contestant ahead of the second live show.
The singer was scored a commendable 21 from the judges for their energetic performance dancing the Samba last Saturday.
Ahead of them dancing the Tango this weekend, Shayne as posted a video about how hard he has been is working.
The X factor winner took to social media to share a video update with his followers as he takes a short break from dance rehearsals with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33.
With a coffee in hand, Shayne wore casual attire sporting a beanie hat, black tank top, shorts, knee pads and slippers.
He said: “Hey everybody, hope you’re all well. So, I’m heading back to rehearsals now with Nancy.
“Just finishing my quick break. She told me it’s a quick break. She said, ‘get out there, get back’.”
“And this is my getup today, look, knee pads and slippers. Thank god it’s not raining.
“My feet are in bits. So, I’m trying to keep them as comfortable as possible.
“Because when I get back into that room… it’s murder.”
This comes after Shayne hit back at fans after he was branded “insufferable.”
The duo made their Strictly dance debut with a Samba to Stevie Wonder’s Do I Do.
But some viewers later took to social media to hit out at former Coronation Street star for being “overconfident”.
Writing on social media after their performance on Saturday, one fan said: “The overconfidence is actually something I’m not enjoying about Shayne right now. No question, he’s good but he’s NOT the master of all things dance.”
Another critic said: “Shayne Ward did well for week 1, but there just something so cringe about the guy.”
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe will perform a Samba to “Fuego” by Eleni Foureira
Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin – Charleston to Bob Wilson and his Varsity Rhythm Boys
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola – Paso Doble to “Freed From Desire” by Gala, Molella, Phil Jay
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec – Viennese Waltz to “Misty Blue” by Dorothy Moore
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones – Jive to “Nutbush City Limits” by Ike & Tina Turner
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell – Foxtrot to “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” by The Tams
Jamie Borthwick and Michell Tsiakkas – Rumba to “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
JB Gill and Amy Dowden – Cha Cha to “Closer” by Ne-Yo
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk – American Smooth to “Parklife” by Blur
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer – Salsa to Pitbull’s “Fire”
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał – American Smooth to “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu – Tango to “The Door” by Teddy Swims
Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova – Cha Cha to “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones – Viennese Waltz to “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez – Foxtrot to “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” by Shania Twain
Another said: “Find someone who loves you as much as Shayne Ward loves himself.”
And another person simply said: “Hes insufferable.”
Taking to Instagram, Shayne assured fans that they couldn’t be further from the truth.
Accompanied by a moody black and white photo, Shayne said: “Strictly is amazing and I love being part of it.
“But through my smile on TV I’m as nervous as the next person.
“Not cocky or overconfident… I’m nervous!
“I just gotta work hard and listen to my wonderful teacher Nancy Xiu. All I can do is my best!”
A MAJOR airline in Europe has been forced to cancel nearly all of their flights next week.
Brussels Airlines has confirmed that up to 80 per cent of their flights on October 1 have been cancelled.
The cancellations are due to strike action taking place at Brussels Airport, the largest in Belgium.
Security staff are walking out in a national strike.
Of the 203 flights scheduled for the day, this means more than 160 have been cancelled.
While the majority will be flights across mainland Europe, a number of UK flights will also be cancelled when heading to Brussels.
Flights affected will include a 12:20pm flight from Edinburgh, as well as three from London Heathrow at 6:50am, 11:05am and 5:50pm.
Two from Manchester Airport will also be affected – the 6:05am and 11:10am.
This will see hundreds of passengers have their flights cancelled when flying from the UK.
Anyone affected will be offered alternative flights on an earlier or later departure date.
A statement on the airline’s website says: “We regret to inform you that the Belgian unions representing amongst others the security staff at the airport have announced a national manifestation in Brussels on October 1st, herewith impacting the operations at Brussels Airport.”
The airport has also warned of the “major impact” it will have on passengers.
An airport management spokesperson said: “Due to the national demonstration on Tuesday 1 October and the announced strike of a large number of employees of the external security service provider, Brussels Airport expects a major impact on airport operations on that day.
“In order to avoid long waiting times at security control, airlines have decided, in consultation with Brussels Airport, to cancel or change a large number of flights departing on 1 October.”
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor previously offered advice on what to do if your flight is cancelled.
He said: “In the event of airline crew striking as opposed to, for example, a national strike, passengers may be entitled to up to £520 each, this is relative to the length of the delay and the distance.
“Airlines are also obliged to arrange alternative transportation to your intended destination, this can be a flight with another airline.
“If you have a long wait at the airport, the airline must provide you with refreshments proportional to the waiting time and, where applicable, overnight accommodation.
“If your flight is delayed more than five hours, you can cancel your flight and claim back the ticket price.”
He finished by saying: “Finally, you can use a flight compensation calculator to figure out how much you might be owed.”
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
COPS have launched an investigation into the “sudden death” of a woman in her hotel.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug and released under investigation.
Officers were called to the Village Hotel, Blackpool on Monday, after reports that a woman in her thirties had suddenly died.
They have said her death is “not being treated as suspicious” at present.
In a statement, a Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson told Lancs Live: “We were called at shortly before 9.30am on Monday, September 23 to a report of a sudden death at the Village Hotel, East Park Drive.
“Officers attended and sadly the body of a woman in her 30s was found dead inside a room.
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this time. Following enquiries the death is not being treated as suspicious and file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
“A man in his 30s from Leeds who was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.”
