Boy, 16, rushed to hospital after collapsing as parents issue update

The parents of a teenager who was rushed to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest have issued an update on his condition. Sam Booth, 16, was playing for Cheshire Phoenix against Mersey Mavericks Basketball Club in Liverpool on Saturday, September 21.

The teenager suffered a cardiac arrest during the second quarter of the match. People rushed to help Sam at the scene and he was treated by paramedics who attended, before he was transferred to Broadgreen Hospital.

He has since been transferred to a specialist heart centre at Wythenshawe Hospital in Greater Manchester. His parents, through Cheshire Phoenix, have now issued an update on their son.

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They said: "Following a cardiac arrest during the Phoenix U18 game on Saturday, Sam is recovering really well, he is no longer needing any support for his body to function normally. Sam is able to speak, his eyes are open and is aware of his surroundings, he recognises us and knows our names.

"He is now out of bed, sitting upright in a chair and keen to know what has happened to him. He has no memory of what happened on Saturday, we are answering his questions to try and give him a better picture but slowly to give him time to understand.

"He can stand with a little support and move his fingers, hands and limbs so with time he will be physically just as he was. The underlying issue which caused his collapse is still to be resolved which may involve a heart operation of some kind, his medical team are still working this out.

"So far, due to his age, fitness and strength, he is making a remarkable recovery considering what a massive shock his body has received. We have been overwhelmed with all the messages of support, from everyone, especially the basketball community, some from people we’ve never met.

"Please accept our gratitude and apologies if we have failed to reply to all of them, they are literally in their hundreds. Thanks especially to the Nix Nation who now feel like our own family. There will be more updates to come, but for now, thanks to everyone."

Posting on their Facebook page, the club said: "On Saturday, Phoenix player Sam Booth sustained a cardiac arrest during the second quarter of an U18s game in Liverpool. Sam was treated swiftly by those present & paramedics, before being transferred to Broadgreen Hospital, where he is currently under the supervision of one of the leading heart specialists in the world.

"Huge thank you to the coaches, parents team managers and Mersey Mavs Basketball Club for the swift action taken. Our thoughts, prayers and well wishes are with Sam and his family at this time."

Following the announcement on social media, the Cheshire Phoenix Junior page said: "We would like to echo the message put out by Cheshire Phoenix Basketball. Our thoughts are with Sam and his family at this time.

"We would like to thank the numerous people involved in helping Sam - our coaches, team managers, players and parents, and also all of the members of Mersey Mavericks Basketball Club who acted so quickly to help and have been so supportive since the game yesterday."

Mersey Mavericks Basketball Club, based at St Hilda's High School, Sefton Park, said: "Our thoughts are with everyone at Phoenix during this upsetting time. We wish Sam, his family and the wider Phoenix community all the best. We are thinking of you all and for Sam’s speedy recovery."