STOURBRIDGE FC has thanked all those who worked to save a football fan’s life after he suffered a cardiac arrest ahead of the club’s game against Matlock Town FC.

The club, based at the war Memorial Ground at Amblecote, has also highlighted the importance of learning CPR following the shock incident which unfolded at around 2.30pm on Saturday (October 5).

Matlock Town fan, historian and statistician Mick Thorpe suffered a cardiac arrest on entering the ground, Matlock Town FC said in a Facebook post.

Luckily, however, thanks to the swift response from off-duty medics and staff at Stourbridge FC – he survived and was said to be in a stable condition the following day.

Matlock Town Football Club’s post said: “Mick had to be defibrillated twice on site, the medical response carried out by two off-duty paramedics, one former paramedic, members of Stourbridge FC's staff and Matlock director Kristen Duffy, who herself is an emergency CPR instructor.

“Two ambulances and the air ambulance arrived soon afterwards, by which time Mick's heart had re-started and he was breathing by himself.”

The Midlands Air AmbulanceThe Midlands Air Ambulance (Image: Midlands Air Ambulance Charity)

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “On arrival crews found two off-duty paramedics providing excellent basic life support to the patient, a man.

“Crews continued life-saving treatment before conveying him under blue light conditions to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.”

Matlock Town later said Mr Thorpe was “in a stable condition, conscious and talking” and the club added: “We wish to thank all of those at Stourbridge FC for their help in undoubtedly saving Mick's life.

“We wish Mick a speedy recovery and hope to see him back at the Lane very soon.”

Stourbridge Football Club said in a social media post: “We are extremely glad to hear the news that Matlock Town fan Mick Thorpe is stable, talking and conscious after falling ill before today’s game.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved in his treatment and care and we hope he is back watching his beloved Matlock Town soon.”

The club added a further post highlighting the importance of CPR and encouraging people to learn basic lifesaving skills through a free 15-minute online course on the British Heart Foundation website.

Stourbridge FC will face league rivals Alvechurch FC in the first round proper of the FA Trophy on Saturday October 26 after beating Northern Premier League side Matlock Town FC 3-0 on Saturday.