Bromham Youth Football Club officiels have spoken of their delight at hearing that 13-year-old footballer Quinton Barham is making a full recovery from the heart attack he suffered while playing an U14s match at Bromham last week.

Quinton, from Hyde Road, Trowbridge, collapsed into his father Paul’s arms after feeling unwell during the match in which he scored three of his Bradford on Avon side’s four goals. Coaches from Quinton’s club and paramedics living locally rallied round to give first aid and CPR before the ambulance arrived.

Quinton was taken to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children where he underwent emergency surgery for a heart bypass, which was successful.

Peter Wallis, secretary of Bromham Youth Football, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the news about Quinton. Apparently, he is sitting up in bed and talking.

“It goes to show that the first five or six minutes after an incident like this are crucial. You can’t wait for the ambulance to arrive. You have to do everything you can to save a life in the meantime.”

Quinton was put into an induced coma by a doctor who attended the scene and admin- istered anaesthetics, enabling the lad to be stabliised for the journey to hospital by road. Weather conditions were thought too hazardous in Bristol for him to be airlifted.

He underwent a successful heart bypass operation on Friday afternoon and since then doctors have reduced his sedation. His tubes were taken out on Monday morning and he is now breathing unaided, chatting and smiling.

His father, Paul Barham, 48, said: “Doctors told me he’s the biggest success they have known. I am shocked considering what he has gone through.

“He now has very little assistance and is aware of what is happening. He has not asked what happened to him and I won’t tell him until he asks me.”

Quinton has been at Bristol Royal Infirmary since his collapse last Sunday. It is hoped he will be moved onto a ward in the coming days but doctors will keep a close eye on him.

Mr Barham, who has been by his son’s side throughout, added: “I am looking forward to having a party in the next few weeks.”