Tom Lockyer issues first statement after cardiac arrest and says 'I'll never forget what you did'

The Wales international has thanked the "heroes" who saved his life during Luton Town's match at Bournemouth

Wales international Tom Lockyer has spoken for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch. The Luton Town captain thanked those who saved his life and revealed tests in the New Year will decide what the future holds for him.

Lockyer has undergone surgery and been fitted with a implantable cardioverter defibrillator. He collapsed on the pitch during the Premier League match at Bournemouth two weeks ago - the second time this year he has done so following a similar incident in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May.

Medics quickly took to the field on the south coast to attend to Lockyer, with the Hatters later confirming he had suffered a cardiac arrest. The game was abandoned.

In a statement on New Year's Eve, he said: "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."