Pontypridd man whose life was saved by football team is getting back in the game

Our research suggests that overall, more than half of adults in Wales miss the types of activity they were able to do before the pandemic began with 22% of people aged over 55 having done significantly less exercise throughout the last year. Therefore, we have launched the #BackInTheGame campaign which aims to help people fall in love with sport and exercise again this summer. 

Speaking about his last game at Gôl, Kevin said: “I had been playing five-a-side football once a week most of my adult life. That particular day, I felt a bit sluggish but put it down to indigestion. Just before half time I collapsed and crumbled to the ground. I’m told the chaps on the pitch started doing CPR on me immediately and then staff at Gôl managed to get the defibrillator over. These actions saved my life, and I’m forever grateful for it. With my recovery going well, I’m more excited than ever to be able to start slowly getting back in the game.”

Although unable to return to his favourite sport because of his condition, Kevin has been advised to take up a non-contact sport and has joined a tennis club in Pontypridd which still allows him to get back into exercise. 

Discussing the return to sport, Sarah Powell, CEO of Sport Wales, said: “We’re thrilled that the Euros inspired a nation once again.  Just like our male footballers, people across Wales can now get back in the game and enjoy the huge benefits of sport and physical activity. Kevin’s story is an inspiring example of someone who is getting back into physical exercise within their own parameters. At Sport Wales, we’re encouraging people across Wales to get back into the game in their own way, whether that’s being part of a team again, getting out and re-connecting with the local community, achieving that post-exercise feeling or just having fun.”