Captain Tom Lockyer has delivered a New Year's Eve update on social media, telling supporters he is "doing very well" and "feeling very much" himself after the cardiac arrest he suffered on the pitch at Bournemouth a fortnight ago.
Writing on Instagram, the Wales international thanked the "heroes...who saved my life" by reacting so quickly following his collapse in the 59th minute of the Premier League fixture at the Vitality Stadium, adding: "I will never forget what you did for me."
He said he had been proud of his team-mates' performances in his absence, recording victories over Newcastle and Sheffield United before going down fighting, with a rousing second-half show, in yesterday's 3-2 home defeat to Chelsea.
"The fighting spirit I’ve seen in the last three games has given me a much needed lift," said Lockyer. "I will be doing whatever I can in whichever ways are possible to help the Gaffer and the Club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I’m due to meet with specialists in the new year."
The 29-year-old also thanks supporters and well-wishers for all their messages, letters and gifts, and urged supporters and anyone reading to learn CPR, initially by checking the British Heart Foundation website for the basics and getting booked on a course.
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His full message read: "I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth.
"The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics. I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.
"While I’m sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me. The fighting spirit I’ve seen in the last three games has given me a much needed lift. I will be doing whatever I can in whichever ways are possible to help the Gaffer and the Club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I’m due to meet with specialists in the new year.
"I cannot stress enough how important it is for as many people as possible to know CPR. It literally saves lives, like mine. Please check out the British Heart Foundation website for basics or get yourself on a course. You just never know when you might need it.
"I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received and thank you all for your messages, letters, gifts and well wishes. Seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name being sung really did mean a lot to me and my family.
"Finally I would like to thank Bournemouth, Gary Sweet, Rob Edwards and Luton Town for the support they’ve given my family during this time. I hope that everyone has a very Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024."
Happy New Year to you and your family too from all Hatters, Skip!
📲 Tom Lockyer has provided an update via Instagram:
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) December 31, 2023
I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth. The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors… pic.twitter.com/5M6GpTgcsz