Vinnie Jones Joins Sky Bet's 'Every Minute Matters' Campaign to Promote CPR Training

Vinnie Jones Signs with Sky Bet and BHF: A Lifesaving Mission for Fans

With only 48 hours left in the transfer window, Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) have made a sensational move by signing football legend Vinnie Jones as part of their inspirational initiative, the 'Restarting 11'. This team of football stars and heroes aims to encourage fans to learn CPR, with Vinnie serving as the squad's dedicated enforcer.

The Importance of CPR Training

The former Wimbledon midfielder's relationship with the BHF began with his memorable role in the 2012 'Hands-Only' CPR advert, which has contributed to an increase in lifesavers across the country. Vinnie's involvement with the Restarting 11 injects fresh energy into the Every Minute Matters campaign as it gears up for the 2024/25 season.

A Humorous Call to Action

Vinnie's first task is to star in a humorous social media skit promoting CPR training. Filmed at AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane, this campaign follows a Sky Bet commissioned survey, revealing that a significant portion of football fans lacks the confidence and skills to perform CPR.

Survey Insights: Fans' Perspectives on CPR

• 44% of surveyed fans have witnessed a situation where CPR was needed.
• 42% have never received any CPR training.
• 45% say they would lack confidence in performing CPR.
• 29% are unaware of where to access CPR training.
• 46% mistakenly believe that multiple training sessions are required.
• 23% think CPR training is overly complicated.
• 25% fear making mistakes could worsen the situation.

RevivR: Learning CPR in 15 Minutes!

To assist in this educational effort, Vinnie is promoting the BHF's RevivR tool, a free online resource that teaches CPR in just 15 minutes using a phone and a cushion. Since its launch in May, nearly 70,000 individuals have engaged with RevivR!

Sky Bet's Commitment to Charity

The Every Minute Matters campaign aims to raise up to £3 million for the BHF while encouraging 270,000 people to learn CPR. With £380,000 already raised through goals scored in the Sky Bet Play-Offs, Sky Bet continues to reinforce its support by committing to donate £10,000 for every stoppage-time goal scored in the EFL leagues this season.

Vinnie's Message: Step Up and Save Lives

Vinnie Jones states, "Teaming up with Sky Bet and the BHF might just be one of my most important roles. Learning CPR is simple, takes 15 minutes, and can potentially save lives. Will you stand by or step up?"

The Significance of CPR Training

With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the UK, quick access to CPR is critical. Each minute without CPR decreases survival chances by up to 10%. Shockingly, less than 10% of victims survive, often due to bystanders lacking confidence or skills.

Words from BHF Leadership

Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of BHF, highlights Vinnie’s past contributions and expresses excitement for the partnership with Sky Bet to equip fans with lifesaving skills through the RevivR tool.

A Call for Action from Sky Bet

Steve Birch, Chief Commercial Officer of Sky Bet, reaffirms the aim of the Every Minute Matters campaign: to make a significant impact by funding BHF’s critical work and empowering more individuals to learn CPR. With Vinnie Jones on board, excitement builds towards achieving the goal of engaging 270,000 people in CPR training.

Join the Movement!

Are you ready to step up and learn CPR? Engage with the RevivR tool today and help make a difference in your community. Remember, every minute matters when it comes to saving a life!