Match heart attack shock

SHOWING signs of recovery . . . Sam Widdall, of FC Broadgate, pictured during an Oldham Sunday League presentation evening

A FITNESS fanatic — who beat cancer to fulfil his university dream — had a heart attack and collapsed during a Sunday League football match.

Sam Widdall, of Pennine Avenue, Chadderton, fell unconscious moments into the game between his team, FC Broadgate — which he captains — and Crompton and Royton, at New Barn playing fields in Shaw.

Members of both teams frantically carried out CPR until paramedics arrived and treated Sam — who will celebrate his 22nd birthday tomorrow.

The first 24 hours were critical for the former Crompton House pupil, who was taken into intensive care at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

He regained consciousness on Tuesday evening and is now showing positive signs of recovery. Sam, who has a degree in PE from Leeds Metropolitan University, had also played for Springhead FC’s second team — which he also skippers — the day before the incident on Sunday.

Sam’s Facebook page has been flooded with messages from well- wishers with many commenting on his amazing ability to bounce back from adversity.

When he was 16, Sam was diagnosed with lymphoma. He missed six months of school while he underwent treatment at the Christie Hospital.

Despite his battle, Sam achieved A-levels in PE, psychology and design & technology. He also raised thousands of pounds for cancer charities while he was fighting the disease. He is now training to be a PE teacher.

FC Broadgate won the Oldham Sunday League Division Two trophy last year. A spokesman for the club said: “We all wish Sam a quick recovery. He is an extremely popular lad who is liked by everyone who knows him. Sam’s family would like to thank the players from both teams who helped him on Sunday as well as the paramedics and staff at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

“He is very fit and active so it has been a huge shock for everyone who knows him. He is our team captain and he leads by example. I think his battle with cancer in the past has given Sam a lot of drive and determination to succeed.”