Edinburgh-born football legend Graeme Souness recently revealed that he underwent emergency surgery on his heart after experiencing chest pains. The former Scotland and Rangers star, who now works as a TV pundit, was preparing to participate in a charity cycling event when he began to feel unwell. Souness shared that he was making a cup of tea while watching a football match when he noticed something was wrong, as reported by the Daily Record.
Surgery and Recovery
Souness explained, “We had a bit of a setback last week. I had a bit of an episode 10 days ago, where I was watching England play Finland, got up at half 10 to make a cup of tea, and felt chest pains.” Following this incident, he underwent surgery to have stents placed in one of his coronary arteries. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Souness reassured fans that he is feeling great and receiving excellent care from his cardiologist in Bournemouth, whom he has been seeing for 15 years.
This is not the first time Souness has faced heart issues. At the age of 38, he was diagnosed with coronary heart disease and underwent a triple bypass surgery. Ten years later, he had a stent fitted in another blocked artery. In 2015, he suffered a heart attack at home, further emphasizing the importance of managing his heart health.
Charity Involvement
Souness had been planning to participate in a charity event for DEBRA, a butterfly skin charity, which included a cross-channel swim and cycle from the channel to Westminster. However, due to a shoulder injury that required surgery in January, he had to put the cycling part of the challenge on hold. His involvement with DEBRA stemmed from his encounter with Scots schoolgirl Isla Grist, who suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa. Witnessing Isla’s daily struggles inspired Souness to support the charity’s mission to improve the lives of those affected by the condition.
Speaking about Isla’s journey, Souness expressed, “What Isla goes through on a daily basis. It is truly horrendous. In summer, we must find a way to make their lives a bit easier on a daily basis and ultimately find a cure.” His passion for helping others and raising awareness for DEBRA showcases his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football field.
Supporting DEBRA
For those looking to support the DEBRA charity and contribute to their cause, opportunities to donate and get involved are available. By clicking on the provided link, individuals can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa and help fund research towards finding a cure for this debilitating condition.
As Graeme Souness continues his recovery journey following his recent heart surgery, his resilience and dedication to charitable causes serve as a testament to his character both on and off the pitch. With a focus on health, philanthropy, and making a difference in the lives of others, Souness remains an inspiration to many in the sporting world and beyond.