Middlesborough and Sunderland football community comes together to inspire fans to learn CPR

Middlesborough and Sunderland football legend Julio Arca will join fans in a 160km cycle ride to inspire supporters to learn lifesaving CPR.

The Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters Relay, which kicked off on 25th March, is a gruelling 4,000-kilometer 28-day journey that will feature an incredible 72 legs stopping off at each and every EFL club before culminating at Wembley on 21st April.

The charity event will see supporters of each EFL club team up with former football stars and celebrity fans to either run, walk or cycle each leg. Today (28th March) football legend Julio Arca will take on the challenge and is joined by fans including Philip Boynton, whose Uncle Laurence had a cardiac arrest at a bus stop on his way to work and was revived with CPR.

Each month more than 2,500 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK and tragically less than one in 10 survive, often because those around them don’t have the confidence to perform CPR. Every minute that passes reduces the chances of survival by 10%.

Julio Arca said: “Hearing Phil’s story on the Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters relay from Middlesborough to Morecombe has really struck home the difference that CPR can make. Without it, Phil’s uncle and thousands of others wouldn’t be with us today. I’m calling on all footie fans to donate their time – not money – as you never know, it could be your fellow fan, best mate or family member, that needs to count on you in that moment. Do your bit and search for the Revivr tool on the BHF website and spend just 15-minutes learning this lifesaving skill.”

Phil Boynton said: “I'm a big Middlesbrough fan and when the opportunity came up to raise awareness of something so close to my family, I jumped at the chance to take part. Cycling 160km – alongside one of my heroes – has been a hugely memorable experience and I’m proud to shine a light on the stories of people like my uncle who suffered a cardiac arrest. I know from his experience that every minute really does matter when it comes to CPR – and the more fans we can get clued up on the lifesaving skill, the more lives like my uncle’s we will save.”

Middlesbrough Captain Jonny Howson said: “The football community has seen first-hand that cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate, it can happen to anyone at any time that’s why at Middlesborough we’re passionate about supporting the Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters Relay.”

Jonny Howson continued: “CPR is a vital skill that helps save thousands of lives every year and with the help of our fans and the fans of every EFL club we can save thousands more. Sky Bet has stepped up with the cash, all we need from our fans is their time. If we all commit just 15 minutes to learn lifesaving CPR we can make a huge impact.”

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