A Norfolk and Suffolk NHS colleague who survived a cardiac arrest is encouraging people across the region to learn CPR as part of British Heart Week (7-15 June).
Andy Wall, who works for NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), went into cardiac arrest while attending a Norwich City match with his family in August 2023. Thanks to the quick actions of those around him, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator, Andy survived and has since made a remarkable recovery.
Determined to help others, Andy has become an advocate for CPR awareness through the Sky Bet and British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Every Minute Matters initiative, encouraging more people to learn the life-saving skills that helped save his own life.
Last month, his efforts received national recognition when Wembley Stadium renamed one of its stands in his honour during the Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals. The Andy Wall Stand was one of four stands temporarily renamed to celebrate people whose lives have been changed by cardiac arrest and those who have helped save lives through CPR.
To mark British Heart Week, NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB is supporting the Every Minute Matters initiative and encouraging colleagues, partners and local communities to complete the BHF’s free 15-minute RevivR CPR training.
Inspired by Andy’s story and the difference that CPR made in saving his life, the ICB is also encouraging all colleagues to complete the training, recognising the importance of equipping people with the confidence and skills to help others in an emergency.
Andy said: ‘Having a stand at Wembley named after me was something I never expected and it was an incredibly proud moment for me and my family. Football has always been a huge part of my life, but what matters most is the opportunity to use that recognition to raise awareness of CPR and cardiac arrest.
‘When I went to watch Norwich City with my family, it felt like any other Saturday afternoon. One moment I was celebrating a goal with my daughter and the next I was in cardiac arrest.
‘I am here today because the people around me knew what to do and acted quickly. Their actions, alongside the use of a defibrillator, gave me the chance to recover and continue making memories with my family.
‘Learning CPR takes just 15 minutes, but those 15 minutes could help save someone’s life. If sharing my story encourages more people to complete the training and gives them the confidence to step forward in an emergency, then that would be the greatest legacy I could hope for.
‘My recovery would not have been possible without the incredible support of my family, friends and colleagues, and I will always be grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.’
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said: ‘Andy’s story is both inspiring and a powerful reminder that every minute matters during a cardiac arrest.
‘What saved Andy’s life wasn’t specialist medical knowledge. It was people recognising that someone needed help and having the confidence to act. CPR is a skill that anyone can learn, and it has the potential to save a life.
‘I completed the RevivR training myself and was genuinely impressed by how simple, practical and accessible it is. In just 15 minutes, it provides the knowledge and confidence that could help someone make a difference in an emergency.
‘Most of us can find 15 minutes in our day. Very few of us will ever spend those 15 minutes learning something that could help save the life of a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour.
‘We want as many people as possible across Norfolk and Suffolk to complete the training and would love to see our partners across health, care, local government, education and the voluntary sector encouraging their colleagues to do the same.’
Amanda Lyes, Executive Director of People, Governance and Corporate Services at NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said: ‘Andy’s courage in sharing his story has inspired colleagues across our organisation.
‘One of the most powerful things about this campaign is that it has brought people together around a shared purpose. Regardless of our role, learning CPR is something that connects us all. It is about being ready to help a colleague, neighbour, friend or loved one when they need us most.
‘As an organisation, we talk a lot about our values and about looking after one another. This campaign brings those values to life in a practical and meaningful way. Learning CPR is an act of kindness and a skill that has the potential to make a lasting difference.
‘We are incredibly proud of Andy and grateful for the way he has used his experience to inspire others to take action.’
Sam Kennard, Community Resuscitation Manager, at the BHF, said: ‘We are delighted that NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB is encouraging all its staff to take part in BHF’s CPR RevivR training and that Andy is sharing his story with colleagues.
‘It was incredibly moving to see Andy honoured at Wembley during the 40th Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Final. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time and the difference between life and death is often whether someone nearby has the knowledge and confidence to step in and start CPR.
‘We hope Andy’s story will inspire even more people across Norfolk and Suffolk to learn this lifesaving skill. It takes just 15 minutes, the length of half-time at a football match, to learn CPR with RevivR. That’s why we’re urging everyone to get involved and learn CPR, so more lives can be saved when it matters most.’
To complete the free training, visit the British Heart Foundation webpage.
Watch Andy’s Sky Sports interview here: https://www.skysports.com/football/video/33727/13547168/norwich-city-fan-saved-by-cpr-honoured-in-the-british-heart-foundations-every-minute-matters-campaign