Former Rangers boss and heart attack survivor Graeme Souness is the new face of one of Britain’s leading charities.
The former football legend turned pundit has become an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Ex-Rangers player and manager Souness, 63, was first diagnosed with coronary heart disease – Britain’s single biggest killer – aged just 38, when doctors discovered three of his arteries were blocked.
He underwent a life-saving triple heart bypass to improve the blood flow to his heart.
At the time he was manager of Liverpool, where he also enjoyed a glittering career.
But, 10 years later, doctors found another of his arteries was blocked, leading to a stent, a small tube that helps widen narrowing arteries, being fitted.
Last November, Souness was taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack when he collapsed on the
sofa.
Doctors found he had another blocked artery and detected two abnormal heart rhythms, caused by a problem with the electrical signals in the heart making it beat less effectively.
Souness has now recovered and continues to train five days a week at the gym, but his condition will continue to be monitored.
He says he has signed up with the BHF to help ensure people take their heart health seriously.
Souness said: “When I was diagnosed with coronary heart disease, I was as fit as any other player.
“I never thought I’d be the type of person to get heart disease but if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.”
He added: “Each year, the British Heart Foundation funds £100 million of research in its fight against heart disease.
“I’m proud to be on their side as an ambassador for research, but they urgently need more support.”
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