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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.”
      To donate £5 please text FIVE to 70507 and help British Heart Foundation fund more life-saving research.
      Jack played 34 times for EnglandCredit: Getty More

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      Highly-rated boxer Sherif Lawal, 28, dies after collapsing in the ring during his first professional fight

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      A BOXER has died after collapsing in his first professional fight as heartfelt tributes pour in.Middleweight Sherif Lawal lost consciousness during the bout with Portuguese opponent Malam Varela at Harrow Leisure Centre in London yesterday after he was struck on the temple.Sherif Lawal sadly passed away after being struck in the temple at Harrow Leisure CentreCredit: Philip SharkeyReferee Lee Every began the knockout count but immediately called time after realising the extent of the 28-year-old’s condition on the canvas.Sherif, of Islington, was treated in the ring by doctors before being rushed to nearby Northwick Park Hospital.But he was tragically later pronounced dead despite the efforts of medics.Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shockEyewitnessA witness said: “It’s unbelievably sad. This was his pro debut – he has died while chasing his dream.”His fight was first on the card, but the event was cancelled and the remaining three fights scrapped after Sherif was taken to hospital. That tells you how serious it was.”He was hurt at the end of round three. He then came out for the fourth and final round with his guard up, and took a right to the temple.”He dropped to his haunches and the referee started a count to ten – but then stopped and waved it off because he could see Sherif was in a bad way.”Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. Most read in Boxing”This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shock.”Sherif was then taken away on a stretcher before news came through later that he had passed away.”This is very rare. All care is taken to ensure the safety of fighters but in a sport like boxing these things occasionally happen. However, that doesn’t make it any less devastating.”‘A REAL INSPIRATION’Heartfelt tributes have rolled in since the tragic news of Sherif’s death.Costakis Evangelou, the promoter behind the Clash of the Titans event, told The Sun: “This was a tragic incident and my profound sympathies go out to Sherif’s family.“It’s a difficult time for everyone involved in the boxing fraternity and we’re trying to absorb what’s happened. No one wants to see something like this in any sport.“Sherif was a great boxer and man. It’s now in the hands of the Board and they’re going to assess the incident.”Writing on X, formerly Twitter, fellow boxer Denzel Bentley posted a ‘broken heart’ emoji and penned: “Went to a boxing show last night and a young man making his debut lost his life.”Among the replies was fight YouTube channel The P4P Boxing Show, which wrote: “RIP Sherif Lawal.”Sherif had been boxing since 2018. He wrapped up his amateur career and announced he was turning professional earlier this year.At the time, coach CJ Hussein, who also trained Tyson Fury’s 2009 opponent John McDermott, said: “I think the pro game will suit Sherif down to a tee, he’s got all the talent to become a great middleweight.“He’s a real inspiration to all the younger boxers at the gym.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA spokesman for the Met Police said it hadn’t been called to the venue over the incident.The British Board of Boxing Control and London Ambulance Service was approached for comment. More

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      Vile football coach Barry Bennell who abused young boys at top clubs died in jail in ‘significant pain’ from cancer

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      PAEDO football coach Barry Bennell died in “significant pain” in prison after being diagnosed with tonsil cancer, an inquest heard today.The predator died at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire where he was serving a 34-year sentence for abusing young boys.Barry Bennell died in prison in SeptemberCredit: PAAn inquest heard how Bennell, 69, was receiving palliative care after he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last year.The paedo had previously suffered from throat cancer in 2004, which had resurfaced in 2016.At the time of his death on September 16, Bennell was being fed with a tube and could only communicate through writing.Cambridgeshire’s area coroner Elizabeth Gray said he was in a “significant amount of pain which was managed by the healthcare team at the prison”.Read more on BennellHe had discharged himself back to prison from Hinchingbrooke Hospital against medical advice two days before his death.A post mortem found he died from bilateral bronchopneumonia , with his tonsil cancer given as a contributing factor.The hearing was told Bennell had previously tried to kill himself and was found with opiates in his possession.A report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman concluded the care Bennell received was of a “good standard and equivalent to that he would have received in the wider community”.Most read in FootballPolice found no signs of third party involvement, the inquest was told.The coroner said: “I’m satisfied the conclusion for Mr Jones is he died as a result of natural causes.”Paedophile Barry Bennell’s victims react after he is found guilty of 43 counts of child sex abuseBennell was jailed in 2018 after after being convicted of 52 child sex offences against 12 victims.The former Crewe Alexandra coach and Manchester City scout was found to have been responsible for “industrial sexual abuse of boys”.It is feared more than 100 boys were attacked by the child sex beast.Bennell abused his position by targeting youngsters who dreamt of becoming professional footballers.The coach would lure the boys to his home with exotic pets including a puma and a monkey, and took them on trips away.He was first jailed in Florida in 1994 for raping a British boy on a football tour in America.The coach’s horrific abuse in the UK was brought to light in a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation.This led to further prison sentences in the UK in 1998, 2015, 2018 and 2020.Bennell’s sickening crimes
      1994
      The coach was jailed for four years for abusing a a 13-year-old boy while on tour with a Staffordshire youth team in Florida.
      1998
      Bennell pleaded guilty to 23 counts of sexual abuse of 15 boys aged between nine and 14. He was jailed for nine years for the crimes, which took place between 1978 and 1992.
      2015
      Bennell admitted sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1980 and is jailed for two years.
      2016
      Brave footballer Andy Woodward revealed he had been groomed and abused by Bennell for four years, starting when he was just 11.
      2018
      The paedo was jailed for 30 years in 2018 after being convicted of 52 child sexual offences against 12 boys between 1979 and 1991.
      It is revealed Bennell may have more than 100 victims after a further 86 complainants come forward.
      2020
      The coach is sentenced to serve an additional four years after pleading guilty to three counts of buggery and six counts of indecent assault against two boys between 1979 and 1988.

      Brave footballer Andy Woodward waived his anonymity to reveal he was a victim – causing more complainants to come forward.After his 2018 conviction, more than 80 other alleged victims came forward to claim they had been abused by Bennell.Sentencing, Judge Clement Goldstone QC branded Bennell the “devil incarnate”.He added: “Your behaviour towards these boys in grooming and seducing them before subjecting them to, in some cases, the most serious, degrading and humiliating abuse was sheer evil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBennell was locked up for a further four years in 2020 after admitting nine sexual offences, including six counts of indecent assault against two boys.During his time in prison, it emerged he was being treated for cancer and had two operations to remove tumours from his tongue.Bennell was first jailed in 1994 in FloridaHe abused his position to target young boysCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Former Celtic star Stuart Gray dies aged 50 after agonising cancer fight as Hoops stars to pay tribute vs Ross County

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      FORMER Celtic star Stuart Gray has passed away at the age of 50 following a cancer battle, the club has confirmed. The son of Scotland and Leeds hero Eddie, Gray came through the ranks at Parkhead, spending six years at the Hoops in which he made 28 appearances.
      Stuart Gray made 28 appearances for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Stuart Gray in action for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The club paid tribute to their former midfielder – who was recently diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma – a cancer that forms in the bile ducts.
      The Hoops wrote: “Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray has passed away after illness at the age of 50.
      “The Celtic players will wear black armbands in tribute to Stuart at today’s game against Ross County. Rest in Peace Stuart, YNWA”
      After loan spells at Bournemouth and Morton, the Scotland Under-21 cap then joined Tommy Burns at Reading.

      A talented left sided player, Gray’s career continued south of the border with spells at Rushden and Diamonds, Oxford Utd, Fleetwood Town and Guiseley.
      Former teammate Craig Burley wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Thoughts & condolences to Eddie Gray & family after the loss of his son and my former teammate Stuart Gray. RIP Stuart.”
      So too did Simon Donnelly, an old contemporary and pal from the Parkhead youth ranks, telling Celtic TV: “A really sad day. Terribly sad, Stuart was one of my first mates at the club, when I came here in 1992.
      “Fantastic player. It’s fantastic to see the fans to a man there standing to pay tribute to him.”
      Most read in Football
      Gray was told that by the time this cancer begins to show symptoms, it is usually too advanced for surgery, which is currently the only known cure – with the situation complicated by the fact he was also suffering from a chronic liver disease.
      Fans and well wishers had raised £50,000 to help with his treatment via a GoFundMe page set up by his brother Nick.
      While some of the treatments for Stuart’s illness are widely available on the NHS, some of the newer and more experimental treatments are less readily available and very costly. 
      How Celtic broke the news
      Gray in action for the Scotland Under-21s
      Stuart Gray had raised almost £50k for his own treatment
      Stuart Gray plays for Morton
      He said recently how thankful he was for all the support, writing: “To all the people who have donated and sent messages and good wishes, I want to say how deeply thankful I am to each and every one of you. It means the world to me and my family to see the support we have. Love Stuart x”
      “Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and to wait for approval of these various experimental treatments, and then for the treatments to be administered by the NHS, will likely take years.
      “Accessing these drugs and treatments privately is costly and can be difficult. 
      “My family and I will be posting regular updates along the way and will be partaking in various fundraising efforts to help pay for any treatment that may be needed in the coming months and, God willing, years. 
      “Any help or support you can offer during this process would be appreciated more than you will ever know.” 
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      in Soccer

      Former PSG star Ezequiel Lavezzi has been hospitalised ‘with stab wound’ amid reports of row with family member

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      FORMER Paris Saint-Germain star Ezequiel Lavezzi has been hospitalised after he reportedly suffered an abdominal wound.Reports in South America say the ex-Argentina forward was taken to the Cantegrill Sanatorium hospital by Punta del Este, Uruguay on Wednesday.
      Ezequiel Lavezzi is in hospital after suffering an abdominal woundCredit: Getty
      Lavezzi used to star for Argentina and PSGCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But conflicting reports have emerged regarding the circumstances how he got the wound.
      A report from TYC Sports claims Lavezzi family sources said he received the wound when he slipped off a ladder while trying to change a light bulb.
      However, El Observador say police sources have said the 38-year-old was stabbed by a family member during a party in Jose Ignacio when emergency services were requested at 5am on Wednesday.
      Their report also alleges the alleged stabbing occurred over a “money” matter.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However, a report from Clarin indicates local police have not confirmed a stabbing incident.
      The outlet writes: “There is still no official report from the clinic and the severity of the 38-year-old former soccer player’s condition is unknown.”
      All reports say that Lavezzi has a broken collarbone from the incident, with the former report saying this came from him hitting a piece of furniture during the fall.
      FM Gente report he has been admitted to hospital alongside his girlfriend.
      Most read in Football
      Lavezzi has been retired from football for four years.
      Since hanging up his boots he has used his time to travel around the world and attend a number of parties.
      As well as PSG, Lavezzi has starred for the likes of Genoa and Napoli.
      He retired in 2020 playing for Chinese side Hebei FC. More

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      Newcastle legend Steve Harper, 48, rushed to hospital after suffering brain haemorrhage as club give update

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      NEWCASTLE legend Steve Harper has been hospitalised with a brain haemorrhage.The Toon icon suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage on Monday and was promptly taken to hospital.
      Former Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper suffered a brain haemorrhage on MondayCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      The 48-year-old club director and former goalkeeping coach is currently recovering in hospitalCredit: Getty
      Harper, 48, is currently awake and recovering “well”.
      And his former side were quick to send the retired goalkeeper a public message of support.
      A club statement read: “Newcastle United is sending love and best wishes to Steve Harper and his family after the club’s Academy director suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage on Monday.
      “The club is pleased to report that Steve is awake and recovering well in hospital.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Steve, his family and everyone at Newcastle United extends a heartfelt thank you to NHS staff for the incredible care he is receiving.”
      It ended: “Steve will be given the club’s full support as he recovers.
      “Everyone connected with Newcastle United sends their best wishes to Steve and his family as he continues his recuperation.”
      Shocked Toon fans took to Twitter to send their well wishes to their former goalkeeper.
      Most read in Football
      Steve Harper is Newcastle’s longest-ever serving player thanks to a 20-year stint at St James’ ParkCredit: PA
      One tweeted: “Get well soon, Steve.”
      Another said: “A wonderful man… wishing Steve all the best in his recovery.”
      And another said: “Shocking news. Wishing Steve a speedy recovery, he is the best of men.”
      One remarked: “Get well soon, Steve!!”
      Another chimed in: “This is awful and so scary, hope he makes a full recovery!!!”
      Harper began his Newcastle career all the way back in 1993 and spent 20 years between the sticks at St James’ Park.
      The Magpies hero made a total of 199 appearances for the club, keeping 66 clean sheets in the process.
      Harper left the Toon in the summer of 2013 to join Hull before calling time on his career in July 2016 after a six-month stint with Sunderland.
      Harper returned to the club that summer to take up the role of goalkeeping coach, which he held until becoming a club director in 2021.
      Scores of Newcastle fans sent well wishes to their former keeperCredit: Getty More

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      Teen who raised £26K for NHS during pandemic will wear her ‘lucky shirt’ for Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final clash

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      A GIRL who inspired the nation to do 7.1million keepy-uppies will wear her “lucky shirt” tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final.Imogen Papworth-Heidel was 11 when she raised £26,000 to support NHS key workers during the pandemic, completing over 1.1million kick-ups herself.
      Imogen Papworth-Heidel will wear her ‘lucky shirt’ tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-finalCredit: Louis Wood
      England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were ‘ready for the fight’Credit: PA
      Lioness Lucy Bronze sent the youngster, now 13, her signed shirt, which Imogen will wear at her home in Suffolk for the game against Australia.
      Imogen’s dad Karl, 53, said: “My daughter will be wearing that when she cheers on the Lionesses on Tuesday.
      “She’s been absolutely glued to every game.
      “Imogen just can’t get enough of it and the footie is really keeping her occupied during the summer holidays.
      read more on Lionesses
      “Lucy Bronze’s shirt normally hangs pride of place on Imogen’s bedroom wall, but she’ll be wearing it when England take on Australia.
      “She’s convinced that her lucky shirt will help them win.
      “She hardly ever takes it off the wall and she’s scared of getting it dirty in case washing it will erase Lucy’s autograph.
      “Lucy’s her absolute hero.”
      Most read in Football
      England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were “ready for the fight”. More

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      Northampton Town aim to show life CAN begin at 40 with health checks for the public.. leaving our man facing harsh facts

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      SO it’s official. I’m getting older, overweight and need to start changing my lifestyle and eating habits.Yup, it’s time to finally accept I’m a forty-something who has to stop living like I’m in my twenties.
      SunSport’s Justin Allen has an “over-40s” health check with Northampton Town boss Jon Brady at the club’s training ground
      Ex-player Brady tells Justin how he has had to kick his beloved croissants from his breakfast routine to stay healthy
      Northampton Town gently broke the news after they invited me to undergo a health-check designed for people aged 40 and above, alongside their manager Jon Brady.So what happened to that well-worn belief that life begins at 40?
      The Cobblers have been going into their community visiting local businesses to give employees in that age category hassle-free tests.
      Akshay Mistry, the club’s community sports participation officer, is the man entrusted to deliver those checks.
      The roughly 20-30 minute procedure includes measuring body mass index (BMI) by taking height, weight and waist measurements — and then checking blood pressure and heart rate, cholesterol levels and, if necessary, a diabetes test.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Usually such check-ups are performed at a local GP surgery but getting a doctor’s appointment nowadays seems impossible.
      Akshay has performed more than 300 tests since the club started conducting them — and the Cobblers have almost certainly saved two people’s lives after discovering their health statistics were at dangerous levels.
      He told me: “We want to get people between the ages of 40 and 74 checked. It’s an easy procedure but GP surgeries have their hands full so this takes the pressure off the NHS while making these tests more accessible.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “Anything that can get flagged now will work better later as this can prevent future problems.
      Most read in EFL
      “If you have high blood pressure and are overweight to the point it’s dangerous that could be the end of you. 
      “But if you can discover this now, you can do something about it — either by changing or moderating your lifestyle and diet or, if at dangerous levels, being referred to a doctor to put you on medication as well as making a plan.
      “I’ve come across two who I referred to a GP — and it’s a good job because had they not had the check they almost certainly could’ve one day suddenly dropped dead.”
      The checks are done in coordination with Public Health England and the results uploaded to the NHS database to give your GP access.
      And even people who appear to live a healthy lifestyle can find that sometimes all is not as well as they think.
      Take Cobblers boss Brady, who is 48, for instance. He has lived his life in football — playing either in the EFL or at the top of non-league and working as a coach.
      He likes running, regularly walks his dog and is surrounded by healthy food and drink at the club’s training ground. 
      Jon Brady gets his height measurement taken by Akshay Mistry
      Northampton boss Brady has his blood taken to test his cholesterol
      Ex-Cambridge United wideman Brady is ready for his blood pressure test
      But, not so long ago, he did a check through the League Managers Association and was stunned to find there was a health issue that needed addressing.
      He told me: “The test flagged up my cholesterol levels needed to drop. 
      “They were concerned and did a lot of testing. I even had to wear the blood pressure measuring device for 48 hours.
      “And it came out that I need to look after my cholesterol. I’ve certain enzymes that aren’t working properly.
      “I always thought I was fit and healthy but that wasn’t the case. I now watch what I eat. I love a croissant in the morning and my wife goes mad at me — so I don’t have them anymore.
      “It’s non-dairy tasteless yoghurts with blueberries for me!”
      So on to my own check. My height is just shy of 6ft, waist is 39 inches and weight is 98.4kg. This means I have a BMI of 30 and, for the first time in my life, am officially obese! Although I think Akshay needs to double check his dodgy tape measure and scales!
      Like Brady, I enjoyed running — often going for 5k or 10k runs — but since the pandemic have lost that enthusiasm.
      Our man Justin gets his finger pricked in a cholesterol test
      Akshay takes Justin’s waist measurement
      I drink beer and wine, love food, enjoy socialising and have a job which takes me away from my home regularly, making it difficult to get into a healthy routine.
      Then came the blood pressure and heart rate test. Two readings were taken .. the systolic pressure (when your heart pushes blood out) and diastolic pressure (when your heart rests between beats).
      Mine came in at 139 (sp) and 93 (dp) … healthy levels are below 140 and 90. So my systolic pressure is creeping towards an unhealthy high while the diastolic pressure is now over the healthy threshold.
      However, the good news is I’m not at the worrying 160/100 level that would require me to be referred to a GP. 
      My heart-rate came in at 99 beats per minute. However, that was probably because it was pounding in fear that Akshay was about to tell me I’d no longer be able to scoff delicious pizzas, Chinese takeaways or kebabs.
      My Apple Watch says my average resting heart rate for the last week has been 78 — which is within the average level of 60-100. 
      And finally my cholesterol levels were recorded after having some blood pricked from one of my fingers.
      SunSport’s Justin Allen undergoes a Health Check at the Northampton Town FC training groundCredit: Alan Walter
      Brady works in the stressful environment of football management
      While The Sun’s Justin Allen has a busy schedule as a football writer
      My overall total came in at 3.74, which is a healthy level. Anything between five to six would mean you seriously need to eat healthier — but anything above that would require an urgent doctor’s appointment.
      My “good cholesterol level” only came in at 0.71 though. A healthy person would expect to have that at least 1.0.
      So I asked Akshay for some health tips.
      He said: “Your BMI isn’t exactly where you want it. For your height, you should lose about 10kg. That will automatically bring your waist down too.
      “Your blood pressure isn’t too bad but you do need to bring it down slightly. Losing weight should help that.
      “You also need to add more healthy cholesterol to your blood. So good food is the answer — oily fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel will help. Also things such as raw nuts, avocados, blueberries and non-dairy yoghurt and supplements of fish oils or multi-vitamins are all great.
      “And you need to get your resting heart rate down a bit. You don’t need to lift weights but I’d recommend doing more aerobic exercise. That should do the trick.”
      I’m going to get on it but, sorry, not ready to give up a steak and ale pie and a pint at the football. That is a non-negotiable. Gotta run — must meet my mates down the pub .. er, sorry, I mean health club!
      Read More on The Sun

      THE EFL’S 72 clubs have been running community events as part of the league’s Week of Action.

      A report — produced by research experts Substance — showed that EFL clubs created more than £865MILLION of social value across England and Wales between 2019 and 2022. More than £101m has been generated for community investment. More