Tom Lockyer: After a cardiac arrest, the Luton Town captain returned to the training pitch for the first time.
Tom Lockyer, the 29-year-old defender, suffered a heart arrest and fainted on the field during Luton’s Premier League match against Bournemouth in December. On Monday, he returned to the team’s training complex.
After suffering a heart arrest last month, Luton captain Tom Lockyer acknowledged feeling “disconnected” from the football world during an emotional team-mate reunion on Monday.
The 29-year-old made his first visit to the team’s Brache training facility since he was hospitalized for five days following an on-pitch collapse during the Hatters’ game against Bournemouth on December 16.
After receiving an implanted cardioverter defibrillator, he disclosed that he has been sleeping, completing jigsaw puzzles, and performing some do-it-yourself projects.
Although Lockyer was happy to be back with his teammates and was welcomed by his close buddy Carlton Morris, he acknowledged that he missed the daily excitement of playing professional football.
“Visiting with all the guys has been a lot of fun. It’s great to see everyone and be back in the building because I haven’t seen them since what happened,” Lockyer stated on the club website.
You start to miss it. Because football is so distinct from everything else you do, you almost feel as like you are separated from it when you are away from it.
“Being so active for all my life, not just football but everything else in general, to then be told you can’t really do anything has been quite difficult. I’ve been trying to find things to do in the days.
“I’ve got a couple of Harry Potter jigsaws but I think the Lego is my favourite. Just anything to try to keep me busy. I’m a bit of a handyman, if you need a wonky shelf or a wonky picture frame [fixing], I’m your man.”
Lockyer will be cheering on Luton from the sidelines when they return to Premier League action against Brighton on Tuesday at Kenilworth Road.
The Wales defender was filmed shaking hands and hugging various team-mates and club staff on Monday morning before watching on as they went about a few drills in front of the cameras.
“It was amazing to see him back,” manager Rob Edwards said. “We had a really good morning seeing him around the place.
“We distributed the Premier League inaugural balls alongside [past managers] Mick Harford and John Still. The presentation was nice, and it was wonderful to witness such a unique time.
“It was emotional, but I held it together. Above all, it’s been a really trying period for his family, but it was wonderful to see him.
“He is an incredibly courageous man with amazing control over everything.” I’m not the way he is.
“He is a really remarkable and driven individual. He is undergoing rehabilitation, but he is going slowly because his primary priority is his upcoming baby.”
Lockyer: I’ll assess football in the new year
At the end of 2023, Lockyer spoke publicly for the first time since suffering his cardiac arrest, saying he would assess his football future in the new year.
Having been discharged from hospital to complete his recovery at home, Lockyer gave an update on his condition.
Writing on Instagram, 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.
“For basic information, please visit the British Heart Foundation website or enroll in a course. You simply never know when you’ll require it. I am incredibly grateful for all of the words, letters, presents, and well wishes I have gotten; I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received.
“My family and I found great meaning in seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name sung. Lastly, I would want to express my gratitude to Luton Town, Gary Sweet, Rob Edwards, and Bournemouth for their support of my family during this difficult time. I wish everyone a very happy new year and the best of luck in 2024.
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