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    Frank Bruno health fears as boxing legend has hospital scans amid worries his brain is on a ‘slow decline’

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    BOXING great Frank Bruno is having hospital scans amid fears his brain is on a “slow decline”.The former world heavyweight champion’s doctors are trying to discover whether blows to the head during his 14-year career caused long-term damage.Frank Bruno is having hospital scans amid fears his brain is on a “slow declineCredit: GettyDoctors are examining how blows to the head during Bruno’s boxing career have impacted his healthCredit: AFPFrank’s daughter, Rachel, said: “We have learned recently that his brain might be on a slow decline.“They are just doing scans and tests at the moment. With the impact of his career and constant knocks to the head, it’s obviously probably not helped.“We don’t know how fast his brain is going to decline. “It’s sad but we’re a strong family and we want to cherish these moments.”READ MORE FRANK BRUNOSpeaking on Amazon documentary Four Kings, 62-year-old Frank added: “I fulfilled my dream. “I won the world championship. I’ve got some beautiful kids. What more do you need?”Last night a source close to Frank insisted: “Frank’s in a great place at the moment and feeling fitter and healthier than he has in years.Each week he will be at three or four events talking about his career and working.Most read in Boxing“All retired boxers have regular checks, and Frank is no different.”The four-part documentary details the careers of Frank, Lennox Lewis, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.Boxing legend Frank Bruno trades blows with the mental health minister – as she visits him at his charity foundationIt also looks at the sport’s dangers — including the extensive brain damage suffered by Michael Watson during a fight with Eubank, and life-changing injuries suffered by Gerald McClellan in a bout with Benn.Frank is no stranger to adversity, having been sectioned to Goodmayes Hospital, North East London, 20 years ago. He was readmitted in 2021 when he hit rock bottom during lockdown.His charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation, campaigns on mental health issues. The source said: “It’s going from strength to strength.” More

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      Scottish Premiership star rushed to hospital after half-time collapse in dressing room

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      DUNDEE ace Mo Sylla was rushed to hospital during his side’s defeat to Aberdeen – after collapsing in the dressing room.The Dark Blues midfelder fell unwell at half-time, with worried team-mates taken into the tunnel so that medics could treat him.Mo Sylla collapsed at half-time in Dundee’s defeat to AberdeenCredit: SNSHe was rushed from Dens Park to Ninewells HospitalCredit: Peter Kelly – The Sun GlasgowSylla was then taken to taken to Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital.Dens boss Tony Docherty said: “Mo took a turn at half-time. It wasn’t a nice thing to see.“The medics were involved and we had to get the players out of there.“He’s responsive. He’s in hospital right now. We’ll just need to assess that and see how he is.”The half-time horror happened in front of worried team-mates as the Dee went down 2-1 to Aberdeen at Dens Park.Earlier in the game there had been a sombre mood and a pre-match applause in honour of Fabian Caballero, who tragically passed away at the age of just 46.Dundee boss Docherty led the tributes to tragic Dark Blues cult hero after news broke that the Argentina-born Paraguayan playmaker had passed away in his homeland at the age of just 46.Former Arsenal star Fabian Caballero passes away aged 46Cabellero joined Dundee in 2000 and spent five seasons at Dens, making 142 appearances and scoring 27 goals, and also had a short spell in England with Arsenal.Most read in FootballHe won Dundee’s player of the year award in 2003/04 and was in the side that lost to Rangers in the 2003 Scottish Cup final.Fans also clapped in the seventh minute of the defeat to Aberdeen to honour their former No7.Docherty said: “We’re really saddened. The Dundee family are mourning the loss of a brilliant servant to the football club.“Huge condolences and sympathy goes out to his family.“He was here last year for Cammy Kerr’s testimonial and was a larger than life character.“You can see why he made his mark at Dundee and there is huge respect for him. As the Dundee FC family, we mourn his loss.”Former team-mates took to social media to post their tributes.Ex-Dark Blues striker Tam McManus wrote: “Stunned to hear of the passing of Fabian Caballero.“I played with Fab at Dundee and he was a wonderful footballer. Also spent a great night with him a few years ago at a tribute do for him in Dundee.“The Dundee fans absolutely adored him. RIP Fabian.”Former Dundee skipper Gavin Rae added: “RIP big man. Thanks for the memories. Was a pleasure.”Our New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. And ex-Dens forward Steve Lovell added: “I’m devastated to hear the news of Fabian’s passing. He was a fans favourite and it’s easy to see why.“He was such a gifted player and I never had the privilege of playing with someone quite like him again. RIP Fab.”Caballero’s colourful career also took him to Greece, Cyprus, South Korea and Guatamala as well as Argentina and Paraguay.A statement from the Paraguayan FA said: “We deeply regret the passing of Fabian Caballero, who had an outstanding career both in Paraguayan football and abroad.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We accompany the family and friends in this difficult time.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

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      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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      International footballer, 30, rushed to hospital and in intensive care after falling from second floor balcony

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      A SAUDI ARABIAN footballer has been rushed to hospital after falling from a balcony, according to reports.Fahad Al-Muwallad reportedly fell from his second-floor balcony at his home in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Saudi Arabia international Fahad Al-Muwallad has been hospitalised after falling from his second floor balconyCredit: Getty – ContributorThe incident is said to have occurred between 9-10am on Thursday.Al-Muwallad was rushed to hospital after suffering multiple fractures.Local news outlet Dubaieye1038 report the 30-year-old was placed in the intensive care unit upon arriving at the Rashid Hospital in Dubai.They add that no one was with the winger at the time of the incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaudi sources indicate some friends left three hours beforehand.Street and home camera footage are now being looked into to determine the cause of the incident.Al-Muwallad recently starred for Saudi Arabia in their World Cup qualifying matches against Indonesia and China.He played just 19 minutes across the two matches, which were his first games for his country since March 2023 when he wore the captain’s armband.Most read in FootballThe Al-Shabab star has played 74 times for his country, scoring 17 goals.He starred for his nation at the 2018 World Cup, where he chipped in with one assist as the Falcons were eliminated in the group stage.Al-Muwallad had starred in both of his clubs matches in the Saudi Pro League this season.He was removed from his nations World Cup squad in 2022 as a “precautionary measure” due to uncertainty surrounding a doping case.The winger had been banned from all football activities for 18 months from the end of March that year.His sentence was later reduced by the Saudi Sport Arbitration Centre which allowed him to initially be selected to Qatar 2022.However, an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency to the Court of Arbitration for Sport saw Saudi Arabia remove him from the squad. More

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      Boxer Sherif Lawal tragically died of natural causes after first pro fight as he’s finally laid to rest

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      A BOXER tragically died of natural causes after his first pro fight – as his heartbroken family and friends finally laid him to rest.Middleweight debutant Sherif Lawal lost consciousness after being struck in the temple by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela.Sherif Lawal tragically died of natural causes after his first pro fightThe ref started the knockout count before immediately calling time after realising the extent of his condition at Harrow Leisure Centre in London.Medics worked to save Sherif, 29, of Islington, on the canvas and at a nearby hospital but he was pronounced dead following the fight on May 12.But Haringey Borough Council confirmed to The Sun that no inquest will be held as it was “found to be a natural death”.A prolonged autopsy process meant more than 200 loved ones had to wait until last Wednesday for a funeral where his boxing gloves were laid on his coffin.Read More on SportSherif’s three sisters read a tribute written by his mum, Misitua Bisi Lawal, which described him as a “tower of strength and inspiration”.They revealed how the trainee mental health nurse, who fought at St Pancras Amateur Boxing Club, got into the sport after being stabbed aged 17.Coach CJ Hussein described him as a “role model” and “a simply exceptional kid” with “a great smile”. More

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      Declan Rice donates £5,000 to GoFundMe campaign set up to fund treatment for West Ham youth diagnosed with brain cancer

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      DECLAN RICE has donated £5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign set up for a West Ham Under-15s goalkeeper who is fighting brain cancer.Rice, a former Hammers youth star himself, made 245 appearances for the senior side before moving to Arsenal in July 2023.Declan Rice has donated £5,000 to a West Ham U15 star who is fighting brain cancerCredit: RexOscar Fairs, 14 was diagnosed with ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023Rice donated the £5000 to Oscar’s GoFundMe pageCredit: Go Fund MeOscar Fairs, 14, has been a goalkeeper at West Ham since the age of nine but was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023.The young boy has since undergone seven surgeries to remove the cancerous lump.Rising Ballers confirmed Fairs is a season-ticket holder at West Ham who has ambitions of being the No1 shotstopper for his country.As well his seven surgeries, Fairs has undergone one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy, but was told that palliative care was the only option.READ MORE IN HEALTHHis family have found a treatment called medulloblastoma European multitarget metronomic antiangiogenic trial (MEMMAT) which is not available in the UK.The nearest city which provides the treatment is a facility in Lille, France, called The Oscar Lembert Center.The cost of the whole MEMMAT treatment, plus the partial living cost to support the youngster in France is £100,000,Over £77,500 has been raised so far towards the six-figure target.Most read in FootballAnd £5,000 of that has been donated by Rice, with a further £10,000 given by club chairman David Sullivan.Just eight months before his diagnosis, his family were told his symptoms were mental health related, and he was referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).  Arsenal’s Declan Rice was targeted by masked robbers in broad daylight He had been experiencing heart palpitations, right-sided weakness, headaches and sickness.But after finding out her son has brain cancer mum Natalie is desperate to save her son’s life.She said: “The MEMMAT trial can potentially halve the size of everything and then a surgeon can do whatever they can.”He’s now got a cancerous spread in the middle of his brain – it’s on the outside, inside, different sides.”It involves six forms of chemo – the first four are done orally and the last two are through a catheter into the brain.”I need everybody and everyone to get on board with me here to save my son’s life – it’s going to cost over £70,000.”*If you’d like to support Oscar visit https://gofund.me/dbde5a61.The most common symptoms of a brain tumourMore than 12,000 Brits are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour every year — of which around half are cancerous — with 5,300 losing their lives.The disease is the most deadly cancer in children and adults aged under 40, according to the Brain Tumour Charity.Brain tumours reduce life expectancies by an average of 27 years, with just 12 per cent of adults surviving five years after diagnosis.There are two main types, with non-cancerous benign tumours growing more slowly and being less likely to return after treatment.Cancerous malignant brain tumours can either start in the brain or spread there from elsewhere in the body and are more likely to return.Brain tumours can cause headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting and memory problems, according to the NHS.They can also lead to changes in personality weakness or paralysis on one side of the problem and problems with speech or vision.The nine most common symptoms are:HeadachesSeizuresFeeling sickBeing sickMemory problemsChange in personalityWeakness or paralysis on one side of the bodyVision problemsSpeech problemsIf you are suffering any of these symptoms, particularly a headache that feels different from the ones you normally get, you should visit your GP.Source: NHS More

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      Hungary star Barnabas Varga released from hospital after breaking multiple bones in his face in horror KO vs Scotland

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      HUNGARY star Barnabas Varga has been released from hospital after his horror Euros accident.The forward was rushed to hospital after he was knocked unconscious in a collision with Angus Gunn during his nation’s final Group A game against Scotland.Hungary star Barnabas Varga has been released from hospitalCredit: Ferencvárosi TCVarga had a horrible collision in Hungary’s group game vs ScotlandCredit: PAVarga underwent surgery after it was revealed he had suffered multiple bone fracturesCredit: Instagram @mlsztvVarga had been left prone on the pitch as medics rushed to treat him.He was stretchered off with sheets held up to hide him before being taken to hospital in Stuttgart, where he underwent surgery to fix multiple broken bones in his face.During his stay he was pictured alongside his girlfriend Laura Skrapits and members of the Hungary staff and team-mates.However, three days on from his terrifying incident, Varga has now been discharged from hospital.READ MORE IN EURO 2024He was pictured leaving the hospital alongside Laura in a photo shared by his club Ferencvaros.Varga’s club, who he scored 29 goals in 40 games for last season, shared the photo and said: “Barnabas Varga is back at home!”A statement from the Hungarian FA added: “Barnabas Varga was released from the Stuttgart hospital this morning and is currently recovering at home in Hungary.”Varga could be seen with bandages around his face, while he also wore a pair of sunglasses.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis father revealed he had undergone emergency facial surgery following a visit from Ferencvaros’ doctor Gergely Panics.He had revealed the extent of Varga’s facial injuries after his clash.Scotland vs Hungary was so bad BBC had no highlights to showPanics told Hungarian news outlet Magyar Nemzet: “Barni suffered a concussion during the collision and lost consciousness.”By the time he reached the ambulance, he had already regained consciousness, after which he was taken to the clinic in Stuttgart, where, after the examination, a therapeutic plan was drawn up, according to which he would be operated on.”Our striker suffered multiple facial skull fractures, several smaller and larger bones were broken in his face, and some were even dislocated.Inside Barnabas Varga’s rise from semi-pro to Euro 2024BARBABAS VARGA has enjoyed a meteoric rise from semi-pro leagues of Austria and Hungary to the Euro 2024 finals.The Hungary striker played for six seasons, between 2010 and 2016 for SV Eberau in the Bergenlandliga – the regional fourth tier of Austrian football.A record of over a goal every other game earned Varga a shot at the big time with with SV Mattersburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.However, he scored only once in just 16 games over the next three seasons before dropping down to the second tier with SV Lafnitz.After a mixed spell, Varga’s next step was to his homeland, again in the second tier, with Gyirnot in 2020.That’s where it began to click for Varga and his eye for goal saw top division Paksi FC swoop.Varga scored almost a goal a game in his first season with Paksi, finishing as the top scorer in the Hungarian league.That earned the late bloomer an international debut, at the age of 28, in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria.One his third cap, away to Serbia, he netted his first Hungary goal.Last summer, Varga joined Hungarian giants Ferencvaros and again got the golden boot as his side won the league, the first silverware of his career. “After the operation, he will be kept in for two days. If everything goes well, he will be released on Wednesday.”Hungary went on to win the game 1-0 with a remarkable 100th minute winner from Kevin Csoboth.The win kept secured them a third-place finish in Group A and has left them in with a chance to qualify as one of the four best third place finishers.As it stands the Netherlands and Slovenia are the only nations certainly making the cut, while Croatia already out from Group B after picking up just two points. EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Meet England team’s yoga teacher Rebekah Jade who’s an award-winning doctor, a DJ and a wellness entrepreneur

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      ENGLAND struggled to stretch the game with Harry Kane up front against Denmark.But they certainly fared much better in their yoga class the following day.Dr Rebekah Jade Lawrence gave England a yoga lesson at Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe yoga teacher has an incredible CV despite still being in her 20sCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeShe is also a junior doctor in the NHSCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeRebekah gets on the decks as a DJ tooCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeThe Three Lions Euro 2024 squad marked the International Day of Yoga as they were put through their paces, positions and postures by Dr Rebekah Jade Lawrence at their plush Weimarer Land spa and golf resort in Germany. Rebekah got the England players breathing, stretching and meditating their way through a recovery session by teaching them yoga.She took to Instagram following the lesson and wrote: “Wow, thank you England football team for inviting me to teach yoga as part of your recovery process in Euro 2024.“Yoga is such an incredible tool and practice that can benefit athlete recovery and performance in so many ways. READ MORE ON EURO 2024“I’m so glad to see it getting some spotlight and to be part of that journey. I can’t wait to dive deeper and share more about this topic over the coming months.“Thank you Nike London and the whole England team for your hospitality and incredible hard work that goes on behind the scenes.“We’re just getting started > >”So who is Dr Lawrence and how did she end up doing yoga with the England team?Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAWARD-WINNING DOCTORBy trade, Rebekah Jade is a qualified doctor – despite the difficulties associated with being diagnosed as dyslexic.She studied physiology at King’s College London, graduating with a first-class honour, before completing a medicine degree in 2021. SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlines Dr Lawrence has particular training in emergency medicine, vascular & upper gastrointestinal surgery, geriatrics and acute general medicine.And she even won national awards for her research into neurosurgery and anaesthetics.After seven years of studying, the London-based medic now works part-time as a junior doctor in an NHS hospital alongside her yoga coaching. STEP INTO YOGAHowever, she is already forging a second career in yoga. A qualified teacher, she runs various coaching sessions – from one-off one-to-one sessions for £90 per hour to group classes in London. Her passion for yoga came about after struggling with her mental health and finding the practice as a way of slowing down and boosting her personal well-being. Rebekah told Yoga Matters: “Through my teens and early twenties, I went through many cycles of burnout and poor mental health. “I’ve always worked hard and put a lot of pressure on myself (like many people do), and I got to a point after four years of medical school where I needed a break. “I ended up on an island off the coast of Panama volunteering in a beach hostel and living with yoga teachers for two months. “I started practising yoga every day. Slowly but surely, yoga became an integral part of my routine and well-being, and I decided to take the leap to do my teacher training.Dr Lawrence graduated as a medic from King’s College LondonCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeRebekah got into yoga while in Panama after struggling with her mental healthCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeShe is qualified teacher and hosts classes each weekCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeShe flew out to Germany to be with the England teamCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajade“I like to be creative. I love bringing new people into yoga and creating a space where they can feel calm.”Her rise in the industry has also led to Rebekah becoming a director at Yoga In Healthcare Alliance – combining her two roles. COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEUR But as Dr Lawrence made a name for herself in yoga, she realised she was often the only person of colour in the room.And that prompted her to launch her own cultural platform, Pana, which aims to promote health and happiness within the black community through yoga.The founder said: “In recent years there has been a push for more diversity and inclusivity in wellness which is great, but the majority of spaces are not created by someone from the community they’re trying to serve. “Pana was a way to tackle that problem. “Yoga has helped me so much over the years and I really wanted to create a safe space for the black community and allies to experience the practice and hopefully some of the same benefits. “Pana brings together wellbeing practices with a celebration of black culture, to help the people feel welcome and connected, while supporting cultural education through experience. Dr Lawrence helps people focus on their breathing and mobilityCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeThe London-based star splits her time between her various rolesCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeThe England players followed Rebekah’s leadCredit: GettyThe Three Lions gifted her a signed shirt after the sessionCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajade“Over time we’ve become a really wonderful community with events such as supper clubs, retreats and BPOC yoga club.”Some of those retreats include trips to Gambia and Kenya, with Pana’s first visit to Ghana coming up later in 2024. HAVING AN INFLUENCEStill in her late 20s, Rebekah Jade’s stock has continued to rise over recent years.That has led to her debut appearance on Elle’s women’s fashion and lifestyle podcast.And then in June 2023, she was signed up by Nike London as one of the sportswear giant’s yoga trainers. She is part of the Nike Well Collective area – which focuses on movement, mindfulness, nutrition, rest and connection.And those attributes no doubt appealed to Gareth Southgate as he brought Dr Lawrence in to work with his team – whose kits are supplied by Nike. NEVER MISSES A BEATBut as well as her passion for yoga and mindfulness, Rebekah Jade is also passionate about music.In fact, she is even a DJ – regularly doing gigs, radio sets, festivals and events for brands including Nike, Converse and Uniqlo, showcasing sounds from around the world including old-school reggae and British funky disco. And the talented star has brilliantly combined her love of music and ability on the decks with yoga by producing ambient, electronic mixes to accompany her classes.Dr Lawrence explained: “I grew up listening to reggae so it felt very natural to incorporate this in my practice – it’s something that makes me feel calm. “I created an event called Dub Garden Yoga & Picnic where we do yoga to reggae and have healthy Caribbean food after class. “I teach it in the park which makes it more accessible and affordable, as well as allowing us to enjoy nature. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have attendees of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicity and ability – for many people it’s their first-ever yoga class. “Many feel comfortable coming as they resonate with the food and music, and the yoga is an additional aspect they can try. It’s relaxed and fun, which I think is so important for helping people come back again.”Dr Lawrence combines her music with her yoga lessonsCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeRebekah signed with Nike in June 2023Credit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeHer Pana community platform has taken offCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeThe influencer appeared on Elle UK’s podcastCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeShe is a director at Yoga In Healthcare AllianceCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajade More

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      We had 5 hours of hell as Siena had life-saving op…but she’s fixed now. She’s our heart warrior, says Jack Wilshere

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      FORMER Arsenal and England star Jack Wilshere suffered “five hours of hell” as his five-year-old daughter Siena had life-saving cardiac surgery.And he said he had been “100 per cent” sure she would die during the operation to fix a hole in her heart in February.Retired football star Jack Wilshere suffered ‘five hours of hell’ as his five-year-old daughter Siena had life-saving cardiac surgery, pictured with wife Andriani, leftCredit: Eleven Miles.Siena had a rare kind of heart issue which required swift actionCredit: Eleven Miles.Jack, 32, also recalled how he and his wife Andriani spent 45 minutes crying as they were gripped by the fear of losing her.Only a month earlier, doctors had told the father-of-four that Siena — his second-youngest child — had the heart condition.While it can be fatal, it often does not need surgery — but Siena had a rare kind which required swift action.Arsenal ace Jack, who played 34 times for his country, told The Sun how he lost almost a stone due to stress during the month between her diagnosis and the surgery.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEven worse was the moment when Siena, now six, was given an anaesthetic just before the op began.He said: “When I took Siena down to the surgery I had to drag my wife out of the anaesthetic room and we went to a room upstairs and we were just crying, both of us, for about 45 minutes.Heart murmur“It was five hours from hell, waiting for the phone to ring. It was a blur.”Jack and Andriani have now become ambassadors for the British Heart ­Foundation, and he praises the charity’s work in helping to keep poorly children like their daughter alive.Most read in FootballHe also hopes to alert other parents to the signs of heart problems.In Siena’s case the early symptoms for a congenital heart defect, which means it was present from birth, were not ­obvious.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere Jack said: “She was probably a bit more out of breath than her friends when she was on a trampoline, and chest infections hung around for longer.”Medics thought it may be due to asthma, because Andriani had ­it as a child.But it took two years for the real cause to be discovered, during a family holiday in Cyprus, where many of Andriani’s relatives live.Jack said: “My kids got ill — nothing serious — ear infections. The doctor listened to her heart and said, ‘I don’t want to worry you, but I can hear a bit of a murmur in her heart’, and said, ‘You should get it checked when you get back to the UK’.“That doctor saved my daughter’s life.”A cardiologist carried out a series of tests on Siena, and days later, rang Jack, who coaches Arsenal’s under-18s, just as he was about to go away with his squad.He recalled: “At the time I found out I was with my assistant.“I was at the training ground and I virtually broke down in his arms when I told him. All my staff were brilliant.”The hole in Siena’s heart was so serious that surgery was arranged for just a month later.Tests had revealed the gap in the muscle wall between the lower ­chambers of her heart meant it had to work much harder, which is why she was so out of breath.A tearful Andriani, 33, said: “I remember just falling to the floor and crying, I just couldn’t believe the news. It was shocking.”Siena after the life-saving February operationCredit: BBC SportOnly 40 per cent of people born with a heart defect need heart surgery.Often the issues are spotted while the child is in the womb.But the worst cases carry the chance of sudden death, and it is necessary to carry out the operations while patients are still young.Siena had a rare condition in which, Jack said, her veins had rerouted because they were leaking into her lungs.The wait for the day when she would be “fixed” was almost impossible for the doting dad to bear.And there was also the fear of his daughter undergoing a precarious operation.He said: “I remember the date she got diagnosed — the 27th of January — and she eventually had the surgery on the 27th of February, and that whole month I lost six kilos.Bag of nerves“I can’t even remember it, it was so stressful, because obviously there were risks involved in the surgery.”There was a one per cent chance she wouldn’t wake up.”His wife was equally anxious.Andriani said: “The night before, we were a bag of nerves. I remember having this feeling in the pit of my stomach.”A team of medics had to close the defect in Siena’s heart, which could have caused sudden death.She had surgery on Monday and we were back home on Friday. She was laughing, she’s really bubbly, she loves lifeJack WilshireAfter crying with his wife, Jack went for a coffee with his parents and took a walk around the block.Thankfully, they got the message that Siena had pulled through.Andriani recalled: “When we went down to the intensive care unit, it was all such a blur.“I heard Siena cry and it was then that I knew she was going to be OK.”Jack is in awe of the way his brave daughter had dealt with the terrible ordeal.He said: “I have been through surgery. I had a lot of injuries as a player, and it took me ages to recover.“She had the surgery on the Monday and we were back at home on the Friday and she was laughing.“She’s really bubbly, she loves life. It’s great to have her fixed.”And he added: “We call her our heart warrior. The bravery and strength she’s shown has been incredible.”Three months on, it seems that Siena is making a good recovery.Jack said: “The surgery has made all the difference and she has so much energy now.”Up against itThe breathlessness and coughing fits have relented.The couple are far from alone, because every day 13 babies in Britain are diagnosed with congenital heart disease.It was the British Heart Foundation which helped Jack and Andriani to understand what they were up against.Andriani said: “We didn’t know anything about congenital heart conditions and never thought our daughter would ever require open- heart surgery.“Turning to the BHF made us feel less alone and gave us the answers and support we needed.”The charity has been funding research into heart conditions for more than 60 years and put £99million into the field during 2022-2023.Wilshere and partner Andriani have become ambassadors for the British Heart FoundationCredit: BBC SportProud dad Jack says: ‘We call her our heart warrior’Credit: Eleven Miles.Jack said: “We’re supporting the British Heart Foundation because without life-saving research keeping children’s hearts beating, we might not have Siena here with us today.”It is not the first time the star has faced a health crisis with one of his children.His eldest son, Archie, 12, from his relationship with Lauren Neal, often had to be rushed to hospital in the middle of the night, suffering from seizures.Under controlJack, who also has daughter ­Delilah, ten, with Lauren and a four-year-old son, Jack Junior with Andriani, said in 2019: “My wife and I would sit up most nights because most of the seizures were happening at night.”Fortunately, doctors got the ­condition under control.Now Jack’s aim as a British Heart Foundation ambassador is to raise awareness of the charity’s important work and to encourage people to have any problems or concerns properly assessed.Many adults don’t even know they have a hole in the heart.Jack said: “There are people ­suffering cardiac arrests who have gone undiagnosed.”And he added: “You know your child better than anyone. If you think something isn’t quite right, don’t take no for an answer.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is the most common defect you can be born with.”
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      Jack played 34 times for EnglandCredit: Getty More