Charlie Wyke sports the defibrillator that allowed him to return to professional football. Photo: Capture TV.
charlie wyke (29), England second division Wigan Athletic striker returned to sporting activity after suffering a sudden blow cardiac arrest which left him without a heartbeat for four minutes, in November. His coach, Leam Richardson, saved his life that fateful afternoon thanks to the short first aid course he had taken weeks earlier.
The story of the 29-year-old striker is quite particular and has similarities with that experienced by the Dane Christian Eriksen who collapsed during a European championship match after suffering cardiorespiratory arrest. In fact, he himself took it as a model after going through this difficult time.
It took the Brit almost ten months to return to court. Eventually he made it to the Birmingham, ten days ago, in a championship match and he couldn’t hide his emotion. In case something was missing, Wyke was the author of the assist of the goal with which his team took the three points.
In dialogue with the medium Sky Sportsthe former Middlesbrough and Sunderland told his experience and showed the implantable cardioverter defibrillator which has been placed in such a way as to be able to resume professional activity. The images of the device and the scars on the chest did not go unnoticed by the public.
“It was the scariest day of my life. I was training normally and then suddenly I woke up on the floor, with my sleeves cut, with five staff members. staring at me. I had no idea what had happened, “began the footballer who showed scars and a box that stands out on the back of the ribs.
“The last thing I remember is that I went to the coach to tell him that I was going to pass out.but I couldn’t speak my words. I later found out that it was actually the boss who initiated the CPR process and made me breathe again. “
“That ambulance trip to the hospital was so scary.. When they told me it was cardiac arrest, I immediately thought my football career was over. I was absolutely devastated. I was told that the coach caught me when I collapsed. My heart stopped for four minutes, which was really scary. I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for the coach and the doctor, he added.
Eriksen: Inspiration to play again
It was a complicated month of recovery. Many times the thought of leaving the profession has crossed Wyke’s mind. due to hospital treatment. But when he least expected it, the inspiration came thanks to other players who have experienced similar cases.
“Eriksen inspired me to return. If he hadn’t come back like he did, I don’t think I would have done it either. I had to watch someone else do it for me so I could push myself, ”the Briton said.
And also, he confirmed that he had spoken to the Dutch defender Blind Daley
Source: Clarin
