Fabrice Muamba and Glenn Hoddle join 'Re-Starting 11' to save lives after heart scares

A new team of footballing heroes has been unveiled at Wembley Stadium - and it's not about the goals they've scored or the trophies they've won, but the lives they've saved

Football legends unite for a heart-stopping cause as Fabrice Muamba, Tom Lockyer, and Glenn Hoddle team up in the 'Re-Starting 11' to tackle life-threatening heart conditions head-on.

Revealed at Wembley Stadium, this awe-inspiring squad features players and supporters who've either dodged death by cardiac arrest or played the hero in a lifesaving moment, all set to push the vital need for CPR knowledge.

Managed by football greats Graeme Souness and Hoddle, the 'Re-Starting 11' also boasts Derby County's Megan Tinsley and Wigan Athletic's Charlie Wyke among its ranks.

This powerful line-up kicks off Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation's latest campaign, 'Every Minute Matters', with a goal to train a whopping 270,000 people enough to fill three Wembley Stadiums in the art of lifesaving CPR over the coming year.

Graeme Souness, who faced his own battle with coronary heart disease in his 30s, championed the cause, saying: "CPR saves lives - and you only have to look at our Re-Starting 11 to see that."

He 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."

Highlighting the urgency, he noted, "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, there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, which equates to at least five every 90 minutes. The chance of survival decreases by up to 10% with each passing minute without CPR.

Sadly, fewer than one in 10 survive - often due to bystanders lacking the necessary skills or confidence to perform CPR.

Every Minute Matters is encouraging everyone to take 15 minutes - the duration of the half-time interval - to learn CPR using the charity's online tool RevivR.

Sky Bet has committed to donating £3million to support the work of the UK's largest heart charity, starting with £10,000 for every goal scored in the EFL Play-Offs.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, CEO at British Heart Foundation (BHF), stated: "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."

"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 team includes:.

Graeme Souness (Team Co-Manager): The former Liverpool FC player and manager was diagnosed with coronary heart disease. He has undergone several operations in his life and suffered from a heart attack.

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

1. David Ginola: The former Newcastle United and Spurs star collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest in a charity game in the South of France in 2016.

Friend and former professional footballer Frederic Mendy performed CPR until medics arrived.

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

His heart stopped beating for 78-minutes as medical staff on the pitch, including a cardiologist in the crowd, battled to save his life.

3. Tom Lockyer: The Welsh international footballer collapsed 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, Clare has returned to work at the club.

7. Adam Dodd: A semi-professional footballer, Adam suffered a cardiac arrest at home.

His life was saved by his girlfriend Kat, who performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Adam has since returned to playing football.

8. Lukas Jonassen: Amateur footballer Lukas Jonassen had a cardiac arrest while playing six-a-side at North Kesteven Leisure Centre in Lincoln.

His life was saved by Tom Dunning, a member of the opposing team, who performed CPR on him. Lukas has since made a full recovery.

9. Lee Stevenson: Sunderland AFC supporter Lee Stevenson's life was saved by his fiancee Amy Stevenson when he suffered a cardiac arrest at home.

She administered CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Lee has since recovered well.

10. Andrew Barnett: Cardiff City fan Andrew Barnett had a cardiac arrest while playing in a dads vs kids game.

Ben Clarke, the leisure centre duty manager, saved his life by administering CPR. Andrew has since made a good recovery.

11. Nick Thomas: Regular SCA football player Nick Thomas suffered 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. Nick has since made a full recovery.