Tom Lockyer hugs team-mates as he returns to Luton’s training ground six weeks after shock cardiac arrest on the pitch

10 months ago 59

TOM LOCKYER hugged team-mates and staff as he made an emotional return to Luton’s training ground.

Lockyer, 29, suffered a cardiac arrest during the Hatters’ clash with Bournemouth on December 16 which was later abandoned.

Tom Lockyer was seen smiling as he returned to Luton’s training ground[/caption]

Luton were delighted to welcome back their club captain[/caption]

Carlton Morris gave Lockyer a big hug on his arrival[/caption]

The captain and vice-captain are close pals and play golf together regularly[/caption]

The match was suspended in the 59th minute as medics tended to Lockyer on the pitch.

The club’s medical staff confirmed Lockyer was responsive shortly after the terrifying ordeal.

The Welsh centre-back thanked the “heroic actions” of the people who saved him.

And five weeks on, a smiling Lockyer headed back to Town’s Brache training ground.

The club posted images and a video of Lockyer to the club’s social media pages.

They captioned their post on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Look who was back at the Brache today! Great to see you, skipper!”

The five-minute clip showed the club captain being driven into the training ground decked out in a grey hoody and green Masters cap.

He was greeted on the gate by best pal and golf buddy Carlton Morris, embraced various members of the squad in the dressing room and received a classy reception as he entered the team meeting.

Lockyer then headed out on to the pitches as the Hatters trained ahead of tomorrow night’s home clash with Brighton.

And despite not being allowed to take part in training, the skipper enjoyed gently kicking footballs around and getting stuck into the banter after six weeks away.

Lockyer appeared in good spirits throughout his visit, including during his chat with boss Rob Edwards, and said: “I’ve really enjoyed coming in and seeing all the lads. I haven’t seen them since that happened [at Bournemouth].

“It’s really nice to see them all and be back in the building. “All the lads have been amazing.

“Carlton has been up to the house but it was lovely to see him again today.”

Lockyer added: “I’ve got a couple of Harry Potter jigsaws but Lego is my favourite.

“Anything to keep me busy. Being so active for all my life to then be told you can’t do anything has been quite difficult.

“I’m a bit of a handyman now so if you need a wonky shelf or a wonky picture frame I’m your man.”

And Luton fans were delighted at the wholesome content of Lockyer back – even though he will not be returning to Premier League action just yet.

Lockyer hadn’t seen most of the players since the shocking scenes at Bournemouth[/caption]

Lockyer was all smiles during the emotional moment[/caption]

The players gave their captain a brilliant reception[/caption]

Lockyer is keeping himself busy by doing jigsaws and Lego[/caption]

One said: “I’m crying and so are you! Love you, Locks – our Skipper! Welcome back to where you belong.”

A second added: “So happy to see him doing well .”

A third wrote: “Things we love to see .”

Another replied: “Yesssssss. Love you Locks .”

Prior to his cardiac arrest last month, Lockyer had previously collapsed during Luton’s play-off final with Coventry in May.

After his collapse in December Lockyer said: “I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth.

“The reason I’m doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics.

“I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me.

“While I’m sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me.

“The fighting spirit I’ve seen in the last three games has given me a much-needed lift. I will be doing whatever I can in whichever ways are possible to help the Gaffer and the Club.

“In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I’m due to meet with specialists in the new year.”

LIFE OR DEATH How to perform CPR when someone goes into cardiac arrest