OkIn a heartening display of charity intertwined with sportsmanship, Oxford United’s goals during the Sky Bet play-offs have struck a chord, raising an impressive £380,000 for the British Heart Foundation. Spearheading the initiative titled ‘Every Minute Matters,’ Sky Bet pledged £10,000 for every goal netted across the 15 intense play-off matches.
Oxford United’s journey through the play-offs saw them not only clinch victories but also contribute significantly to the fundraising cause. Each goal they scored added to the growing pot of donations, with a substantial £20,000 boost coming from their semi-final triumph against Peterborough United and another £20,000 from their final showdown against Bolton Wanderers.
The collaboration between Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation extends beyond monetary support. With a commitment of up to £3 million over the next year, the aim is to empower 270,000 individuals with life-saving CPR skills across the UK. This initiative marks a pivotal step in fostering a community of informed and capable responders in medical emergencies.
Tom Lockyer, an ambassador for the campaign, emphasized the significance of CPR awareness, drawing from his personal experience of surviving a cardiac arrest. Lockyer expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from the football community, highlighting the unity displayed by clubs, players, and fans in championing this cause.
The statistics underscore the urgency of CPR education, with over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the UK. Every passing minute without CPR diminishes the chances of survival, underscoring the critical need for widespread training. The campaign urges individuals to invest just 15 minutes in learning CPR through RevivR, an accessible online platform provided by the British Heart Foundation.
As the final whistle blows on this season’s Sky Bet Play-Offs, the impact resonates far beyond the football pitch. With thousands more equipped with life-saving skills and a substantial sum raised for essential research and support, the partnership between sports and charity continues to inspire hope and resilience in communities nationwide.