By John Baron
Farsley Celtic say skipper Lewis Turner is making ‘significant positive strides’ in hospital after collapsing on the pitch with a suspected cardiac arrest.
Lewis Turner, 32, had to be resuscitated by physios after the incident during his side’s FA Trophy match at Gateshead on Tuesday.
In a statement, Farsley Celtic chairman Paul Barthorpe said: “I am pleased to be able to announce that Lewis has made significant positive strides in a very short period of time on the road to recovery and we all look forward to him being released from hospital in the very near future.
“Lewis is one of our own and we will make sure him and his family, as well as the rest of our players and staff, receive the best help and support we are able to get them.
“We very much hope that when Lewis is ready and the time is right, he will continue his journey in football with us, whether that is on or off the pitch. He is an important part of our family and we will find a place for him in whatever capacity he chooses.”
Mr Barthorpe thanked Gateshead FC for their support.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to personally show a huge amount of gratitude and the upmost respect to our friends at Gateshead for the way they handled the situation with Lewis, and also their fantastic treatment of the rest of our players and staff who were all shaken by the incident,” Mr Barthorpe added.
“Also a special thank you to their fans who were not only superb on the evening but also in their support and concern since. An absolutely fantastic club, and a real example for others to follow!
“I would also like to thank all of you for your comments and messages across all social platforms, they have all been gratefully received and I am sure have put a smile on Lewis’s face.”
Play was suspended after 28 minutes on Tuesday with both teams returning to the changing rooms as Turner underwent treatment. The match was later abandoned, with Gateshead leading 1-0.