The family of a footballer who tragically died of a heart condition last year have backed a new CPR app that seeks to make Suffolk a "county of lifesavers".
The family of Joe Langfield, who was just 27, were left devastated when he died after suddenly collapsing in June 2021.
It was later discovered he had died of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle.
Joe, who grew up in Kesgrave, played senior football for Woodbridge Town, Debenham LC and Crane Sports, as well as for Borussia Martlesham in the Ipswich Sunday Football League side.
Joe Langfield playing for Woodbridge Town (Image: Supplied by family)
As a result, his family have now backed a new app that seeks to teach Suffolk's football club players CPR to ensure they "know exactly what to do when confronted with a sudden cardiac arrest."
The free RevivR app has been produced by the British Heart Foundation and teaches CPR using just your phone and a cushion or pillow.
Joe's sister Victoria said: "Joe’s family, girlfriend, and all those who loved him actively endorse the app, as well as his team-mates at Borussia Martlesham who have already completed the training.
"Joe was young, athletic and healthy, it’s still so difficult to comprehend we lost him in this way.
"He was cheeky with such a zest for life.
“We think making a positive change within a sporting community he loved so much would be such a fitting way to honour our Joey.
"His loss has left such a darkness in so many lives, and he is missed more than he could have ever imagined.
"The more people who are confident in giving CPR, the less likely another family will have to endure such a painful reality.
RevivR teaches CPR using just a phone and a cushion or pillow (Image: British Heart Foundation)
"This can happen to anyone, anywhere. Losing Joe in these circumstances has taught us in the most brutal way, there is simply never as much time as you think."
Karl Coppack, who is BHF fundraising manager for Suffolk and Norfolk, added: "RevivR even gives you feedback about compressions and rhythm so clubs will know exactly what to do when confronted with a sudden cardiac arrest.
"We appreciate that The FA rolls out fantastic courses, but the idea is that every player in Suffolk can download the app using a QR code and learn the lifesaving skill.
"Ideally, we’d like Suffolk to be a county of lifesavers."
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