Football star kicks off lifesaving campaign

FOOTBALLER Connor Goldson has launched a drive to encourage as many fans as possible to learn lifesaving CPR.

At the age of 24, the Rangers star was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm – a swelling of the large artery which passes through the abdomen which was at risk of bursting with potentially catastrophic consequences – and had to undergo surgery to repair it.

The Rangers Charity Foundation has pledged to raise £25,000 for the British Heart Foundation over the course of the season as he launched the charity’s free online training tool, RevivR.

He said: “The BHF do an amazing job and I’m happy to help in any way. We live in a world where nobody really does anything until it happens to you. It’s only when it happens to yourself or someone you know, then you realise the importance of CPR. I can do CPR, maybe not perfectly but I know what to do.”

It has taken the six years since the operation for Goldson to feel more comfortable talking about the life-threatening condition which could have ended far more than just his sporting career.

He said: “Truthfully, I’ve never really spoken about it openly because it was a difficult time, but I also felt fortunate that I was able to continue playing, so I’ve never really wanted sympathy.

“Obviously going back to it, it was tough. My wife, Kayleigh, who was my girlfriend then, always tells me that I need to speak about it, but I find it difficult.”

After-training showers have prompted many chats. He added: “When new players see the scar on my chest there’s always a big reaction straight away. I was so fortunate; I was out for like three to four months and have never had a problem since.

“I see it as quite a positive thing now that I’ve been fortunate to have gone through. It has made me appreciate everything that I have even more and has put life into perspective because I know it can end at any time.”

To donate to the British Heart Foundation this festive season, visit bhf.org.uk/Christmas