Fabrice Muamba: making a miraculous recovery

Since the young gifted footballer Fabrice Muamba collapsed and nearly died of a massive heart attack less than a week ago, it seemed as though a nation held its breath. First wishing this young man would survive, and then that he would be in a position to make a very good recovery. Doctors have confirmed that for 78 minutes, Muamba was in effect, dead: his heart had stopped and he was not breathing.

Some prayed for Muamba, most just simply hoped that this young man would pull through. The good news is that the 23-year-old has come through this critical period. I guess for many of us watching so much depressing news from around the world right now, the Muamba story, at least for the time being, brings a rare moment of joy. Although still not out of intensive care, Muamba has spoken to friends and family, even allowing himself the odd joke.

The footballing world and UK citizens showed what is best about this nation with a collective and genuine spirit of sympathy for a young man most of us didn’t even know until that awful moment nearly a week ago.

Simon Woolley