How 'angels' saved young basketballer's life

Sam Booth cannot remember much of the day, let alone the moment itself.

In fact, he has to rely on others to explain what exactly happened on 21 September 2024.

"What I've been told is that I came off the court after fouling someone, sat down next to my teammate Matt [Mateusz Majewski-Zelek], and then I just went limp," says Booth, who had been playing in an under-18s basketball game in Liverpool.

Aged just 17, not long after signing a professional contract with Cheshire Phoenix, he had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of the match.

Only the swift response of coaches, parents, and paramedics, along with the use of an on-site defibrillator, saved the Caernarfon teenager's life.

"I don't remember anything from that day," Booth added. "Matt called the coach over, but I don't recall any of it."

Majewski-Zelek, who has played alongside Booth for over two years, described the panic that followed.

"Sam was in good spirits and playing well. Then, out of nowhere, he just collapsed," he said. "We didn't know what to think at first; we thought it might be something minor, but soon realised it was far more serious. We were all incredibly worried."

As players tried to make sense of what was happening, the mother of one of Booth's teammates wasted little time, knowing there was little to spare. Having only recently completed CPR training, she began chest compressions immediately.

"If it wasn't for those first five minutes, Sam wouldn't have made it to the hospital," said his father Phil Booth.

The swift intervention of those present had been crucial in keeping Sam alive until paramedics arrived.

"The people around us were like angels. If it wasn't for them, Sam wouldn't be here today," Phil added.

In the aftermath of the incident, Basketball Wales made safety a top priority, focusing on heart screenings and increased educational initiatives.

Gavin Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Basketball Wales, explained: "Our new strategy includes heart screening for players and CPR training for coaches. The goal is to ensure that athletes are prepared not only on the court but also in emergency situations."

As part of this new initiative, Sam and his father attended a national training day at Sport Wales in Sophia Gardens, where national team players took part in heart screenings and mental health education.

Hosein Baghertash, a sports cardiology research fellow, highlighted the importance of ECG tests, which can help identify potential heart risks.

"ECG is a quick, cost-effective procedure with a 90% detection rate," said Baghertash.

"One in 250 young people may have undiagnosed, life-threatening conditions, such as heart muscle or electrical disorders, that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest."

These screenings are crucial for detecting hidden conditions that could otherwise go unnoticed, potentially saving lives in the process.

Five months after the incident, Sam is recovering well. He has returned to shooting hoops with his father and has been warmly welcomed back by his club.

Reflecting on the immense support he received, Sam said: "It's amazing to see the impact this has had on so many people. Being welcomed back by all the fans, especially the Cheshire Phoenix fans, has been incredible. They're truly wonderful."

As he and his father look back on the events of 21st September, Sam admits that it is the small moments that have left the biggest impression.

"It's the little things," he said. "When I was coming home from the hospital, there was a beautiful sunset, and I really took the time to appreciate it.

"You start to notice things you wouldn't normally, like sitting outside with my dad, feeling the wind in my hair and the breeze against my skin.

"It really makes you realise how special it is to just be alive."