School friends show support as teen footballer remains in critical condition (From Wiltshire Times)

School friends show support as teen footballer remains in critical condition

5:29pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News By Katie Smith

A 13-year-old Clarendon Academy pupil who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing football remains in a stable but critical condition in Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Quinton Barham, of Hyde Road, Trowbridge, is on a life support machine while doctors decide if he needs emergency surgery.

His father, Paul Barham, 48, and other members of the family have been by the teenager's side since he collapsed after scoring a hat-trick for Bradford Town Youth in a Mid-Wilts Youth and Minor League under 14 cup match against Bromham on Sunday.

He said: “Clarendon College rang this morning to express their concerns and said they were praying for Quinton.

"His friends have rallied round and visited him, although it has been tough on them.

"The doctors have eased off the muscle relaxants and we are hoping he comes off them soon to see how he reacts. This is a critical stage for us."

Quinton's father also paid tribute to the pitch-side assistance given to his son at Bromham after he collapsed.

He said: “It was a long time before they could get a pulse and Quinton was on the ground being worked on for an hour.

“A parent from the Bradford side administered CPR with someone else but paramedics were on the scene within minutes.

“If it wasn’t for them he would have died. They are life-savers and I want to thank everyone who was involved. It is so important for everyone on the pitch to have first aid training.”

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