I am indebted to the Reverend Brian D'Arcy for the inspiration, and plagiarism, of today's blog. Brian presents 'food for thought' on a regular basis on BBC Radio 2, and I feel today's message needs a wider audience. ( As if my blog gets more hits that Radio 2 gets listeners, but you know what I mean!)
While my mate's and I were cheering England to victory this weekend at Twickenham, tragic events were unfolding at White Hart Lane, less than ten miles away. There, a young footballer collapsed, and in a moment the immortal words of Liverpool manager Bill Shankley were turned on their face.
Shankley famously stated: Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that
Saturdays incident clearly indicated that life and death take precedence over all, yes, even football . A family sit at the bedside of Fabrice Muamba praying for the full recovery of their son, father, fiancee and friend. Sadly our recent family experience does not bode well for him. Brain damage sets in very quickly, with CPR needed within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest. If, as reported, his heart did not start pumping again until he reached hospital, then his family may find they are faced with the worst decision anybody can ever face, as brain activity examinations will prove to be more vital than those on his heart.
These decisions were not necessary in the case of Liam Kelly and his family. Liam played in the Scottish League Cup final at the same time as the drama unfolded in London. After helping his side Kilmarnock to one of their greatest ever victories, he was informed his father, Jack, had suffered a heart attack at the end of the match, and died shortly afterwards.
Tragedy engulfs the World at every turn in these turbulent times. In these two incidents, however, the poignancy of Vinny Jones and his 'Staying Alive' advert becomes all the more relevant.
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