Kevin Ross, a 66-year-old man from Frome, Somerset, is urging older adults to be alert to hidden health risks after he nearly lost his life during a football match. In July 2024, Kevin was playing a friendly game with friends when, after scoring a goal, he suddenly collapsed on the pitch.
Recalling the terrifying event, Kevin said: “It was a normal game and we were nearly at the end of it. Just before the game finished, somebody took a corner and I jumped for the ball. At the end of the play, I found myself on the ground.”
At first, his friends assumed he was celebrating the goal, but it soon became apparent that something was seriously wrong. Kevin was not breathing, prompting the immediate call for emergency services. Three paramedic vehicles and an air ambulance arrived promptly at the scene.
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Kevin’s life hung in the balance as he stopped breathing for four minutes before being resuscitated with a nearby defibrillator. Reflecting on the incident, he said: “If it hadn’t been for that defibrillator, the last thing I would have done on this Earth would have been scoring a goal.”
Kevin admits he does not remember much from that afternoon but was later told that, when paramedics asked his age, he responded “20” and seemed confused as to why his wife, who was with him at the time, looked older than him.
Following the incident, Kevin was shocked to discover that he had dangerously high cholesterol and a chronic arterial blockage-problems of which he had experienced no prior symptoms. Previously living an active lifestyle, the diagnosis came as a complete surprise.
Now retired from teaching drama, Kevin is urging others to consider the importance of regular health screenings. He shared: “I’d been told I had high cholesterol before, but I hadn’t realised how serious it was. I was really fit, so the whole experience was a huge shock. My message is simple: get checked out as much as possible.”
Evie Potts-Jones, the lead member for public health at Somerset Council, emphasised the importance of NHS Health Checks. She stated: “Kevin’s story is a powerful reminder that serious health problems don’t always come with warning signs. NHS Health Checks are a simple but important way to understand your risk and take control of your health earlier. We know people can feel fit and assume everything is fine, but a quick check could make all the difference. I’d strongly encourage anyone eligible to take up their NHS Health Check as it could help prevent something much more serious.”
The NHS offers free Health Checks every five years to those aged 40 to 74, provided they do not already have a diagnosed medical condition. These checks can be booked online and offer a vital opportunity to spot health issues before symptoms appear.
Despite still facing challenges two years after his heart attack, Kevin continues to pursue his passions. He regularly teaches after-school drama classes and has returned to playing football with Comeback United, a club dedicated to helping older men stay active and enjoy the game.
He explained: “The idea behind Comeback United was to create a space for former players who want to roll back the years and kick the ball around for a while. It’s been a real positive for me-and, of course, it saved my life too!”