HEART TO HEART
Tom Lockyer reunites with heroic ambulance medics who saved his life after suffering cardiac arrest on pitch
TOM LOCKYER has been reunited with the medics who helped save his life on his return to the Vitality Stadium.
Luton took on Bournemouth on Wednesday night in a replay of the fixture that was abandoned after the 29-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.
The Hatters skipper was technically dead for two minutes before medics resuscitated him back in December.
Lockyer showed his appreciation to those first on the scene as he greeted the ambulance staff who rushed over to him with a defibrillator ahead of the 4-3 thriller on the South Coast.
The defender was all smiles as he chatted and posed for photos with the medics.
He was presented pitchside and did a lap of honour ahead of kick-off.
Lockyer juggled the ball as fans held aloft a mural of him. The game itself also gave fans plenty of entertainment. Luton blew a 3-0 half-time lead to lose 4-3, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the late winner for the hosts.
Hatters manager Rob Edwards said before the replayed fixture: “It will be emotional going back and reliving that experience but we know we have to do it.
“Locks will meet the people who helped saved his life and see their supporters, who were unbelievable.
“It will be really nice for him to meet those heroes and he’ll get a brilliant reception.
“The main thing now is that Locks is okay and the silver lining is that some good will have come from it, with more awareness on CPR.”
Wales star Lockyer spent five days in hospital and now has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in his chest.
He may never play professional football again.
In a programme interview, Lockyer said: “I can’t wait to see them in person and thank them myself.
“They almost go under the radar at every game. You don’t really see them until something serious happens.
“That’s when you see what incredible human beings they are. They deliver such swift and fast life-saving care to people who need it, so I can’t honestly thank them enough.”
A Bournemouth supporters’ trust raised £2,000 to put on coaches for Luton fans.
There was also a minute’s applause in tribute to the incredible work of the medics.
Edwards added: “They are the true heroes. It is only football and there are more important things.”
Cherries boss Andoni Iraola said he was looking forward to greeting Lockyer too.
He said: “I am happy to know that he is doing well. It will be amazing to see him.”