Learn how to save a life.

Oxford City Football Club welcomed REACT: Emergency Response Training to the club for a practical CPR awareness session earlier this week, supporting World Restart a Heart Day on 16 October and highlighting how knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives.

Men’s first team player, Alfie Potter and women’s first team player, Grace Craven were among those in attendance as REACT founder, Darren Davies, led the session helping to raise awareness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillator use and the importance of being prepared for a cardiac emergency.

For Darren, the visit was particularly meaningful. Oxford City has been part of his life for decades, and his connection to the club goes far beyond football. It is also the place he returned to after surviving a sudden cardiac arrest, with a personal mission to help others learn the skills that saved his life.

A personal story with a powerful message

Darren’s connection with Oxford City dates back to the 1980s, when he played for the club’s youth team at the old White House Ground.

Over the years, he returned to coach children’s teams, coached Oxford City Nomads and served as a committee member. He also ran his own personal training studio at the ground for more than five years, supporting people with their fitness, health and wellbeing, before moving into a career with the NHS.

Football, coaching and education have always played a significant role in Darren’s life. However, on 2 March 2024, he experienced an event that would change his outlook forever.

After visiting the gym for a swim and some strength training, Darren later suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at home.

His heart stopped beating effectively, and his survival depended on immediate intervention.

Fortunately, his wife recognised what was happening and began performing CPR. By an extraordinary coincidence, she had refreshed her CPR knowledge just a few weeks earlier.

She continued chest compressions until the emergency services arrived. Paramedics delivered three defibrillator shocks, with Thames Valley Air Ambulance also attending.

Following his recovery and approximately two weeks in hospital, Darren had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted to help protect him against potentially life-threatening heart rhythms.

Reflecting on his experience, Darren said:

“I’m incredibly fortunate to be here today. And I know exactly why I am – because someone knew what to do, had the confidence to act and didn’t hesitate.”

That someone was his wife.

Turning experience into action

Darren’s experience reinforced just how important the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest can be. It also inspired him to use his background in coaching, sport, fitness and education to help others feel prepared to respond in an emergency.

He established REACT: Emergency Response Training, providing first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training, alongside practical emergency preparedness support for sports clubs, businesses, schools and community organisations.

As a qualified, FAIB-accredited first aid trainer and assessor, Darren believes effective training must go beyond simply learning the correct procedures.

“It’s not just about knowing what to do. It’s about having the confidence to actually do it.”

Through REACT, Darren aims to make training practical, engaging and accessible, helping people understand how they can make a genuine difference before emergency services arrive.

He has also established Heart Safe Sport CIC, a community interest company focused on improving CPR and defibrillator awareness, confidence and emergency preparedness throughout grassroots sport. One of its ambitions is to help hundreds of grassroots coaches become more confident in recognising cardiac arrest, performing CPR and using a defibrillator.

Why World Restart a Heart Day matters

World Restart a Heart Day takes place every year on 16 October, encouraging people around the world to learn CPR and helping improve survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere. When it does, the actions of the people nearby can make a life-saving difference.

Starting CPR promptly and using a defibrillator as soon as one is available can significantly improve a person's chances of survival. Yet many people remain unsure how to respond or lack the confidence to act.

The message behind World Restart a Heart Day is simple: you don't need to be a medical professional to save a life.

Recognising the signs of cardiac arrest, calling 999, starting CPR and using an AED when available can give someone the best possible chance while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

For Darren, sharing this message at Oxford City carries particular significance.

“To be able to return to Oxford City, a club that has been part of my life since I was a teenager, and help raise awareness of CPR is something that means a great deal to me.

“It’s an opportunity to give something back to a club and a community that have been part of my life for so long. The message I want people to take away is that you don’t need to be a medical professional to save someone’s life. You just need to recognise what’s happening, call for help, start CPR and use a defibrillator when one is available.

“My wife wasn’t a paramedic or a doctor.

“She was somebody who knew what to do and acted when it mattered most.

“I’m here today because she did!”

Oxford City FC backs lifesaving skills

The club's session reflects Oxford City Football Club’s commitment to supporting its community and helping staff, players and those around the club become more confident in responding to emergencies.

Kelly Whitehead, Commercial Lead at Oxford City Football Club, said:

“We are supporting World Restart a Heart Day and welcomed Darren to run a session to some staff and players and recognise that every time somebody learns CPR, practises chest compressions or becomes more confident using a defibrillator, there’s a chance that one day they could save somebody’s life.

We’d like to thank Darren for his time, for sharing his story and we look forward to welcoming him back soon.”

Darren’s return to Oxford City is a reminder that the skills learned in a training session can have an impact far beyond the football pitch. A few minutes spent learning CPR today could help save a life tomorrow.

Get involved with REACT

Whether you're a sports club, school, business or community organisation, learning CPR and understanding how to use a defibrillator can help you become better prepared for a cardiac emergency.

To find out more about first aid, CPR and AED training, or to discuss emergency preparedness for your organisation, contact Darren and the REACT team.

REACT: Emergency Response Training

Website: www.reactsportsgroup.co.uk

Email: Darren@reactsportsgroup.co.uk

Learn the skills. Build the confidence. Be ready to save a life.