Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba to receive Honorary Doctorate

 

Pat Hurst
Friday 13 July 2012 11:54 EDT
Comments
Fab recovery But the most astonishing story will always remain the fact that Fabrice Muamba ‘died’ for 78 minutes – and lived to tell the tale.
Fab recovery But the most astonishing story will always remain the fact that Fabrice Muamba ‘died’ for 78 minutes – and lived to tell the tale. (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, whose heart stopped for 78 minutes after he collapsed during a live televised match, will receive an Honorary Doctorate later today.

Muamba, 24, will be honoured by the University of Bolton at its degree congregation ceremony for students, their friends and families to celebrate graduation day.

In March this year during the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final between Bolton and Tottenham, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest.

Millions of TV viewers watched as medical staff rushed to his aid with the player receiving lengthy treatment on the pitch.

He recovered in hospital but doctors who saved his life later confirmed that his heart had stopped for 78 minutes.

It is not yet known when, or if, he will be able to return to professional football.

Muamba and his family fled war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, seeking asylum in the UK.

Despite arriving in London age 11, unable to speak English, he went on to achieve 10 GCSEs and three A levels and joined Arsenal FC's youth academy in 2002.

Dr George Holmes, Vice Chancellor of the university, said: "Fabrice is an exceptional young man in his own right, but he will receive his honorary doctorate to celebrate and recognise the work of the teams who rushed to his aid.

"The University is developing its strength in the field of sports science and associated clinical work for elite athletes.

"There can be no better example of the work of clinicians than the emergency treatment Fabrice received."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in