TEENAGER Sam Booth is taking his first steps to recovery after suffering a cardiac arrest during a basketball game last weekend.

The Caernarfon basketball ace, who this season was included in pro-team Cheshire Phoenix's senior squad, is currently being treated in the Liverpool Heart and Chest hospital at Broadgreen.

He suffered a cardiac arrest during the second quarter of a Phoenix U18s game against Mersey Mavericks. The swift actions of coaching teams and officials in addition to the work of paramedics on the scene meant he was treated quickly and conveyed to the hospital quickly.

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Support for teenage Caernarfon basketball star after cardiac arrest

Now his parents Neil and Sarah have given an update on his condition via the Super League Basketball club.

"Following a cardiac arrest during the Phoenix U18 game on Saturday, Sam is recovering really well," they said. "He is no longer needing any support for his body to function normally. He has been moved from Broadgreen to Wythenshawe Hospital.

"Sam is able to speak, his eyes are open and is aware of his surroundings, he recognises us and knows our names. He is now out of bed, sitting upright in a chair and keen to know what has happened to him.

"He has no memory of what happened on Saturday, we are answering his questions to try and give him a better picture but slowly to give him time to understand.

"He can stand with a little support and move his fingers, hands and limbs so with time he will be physically just as he was.

"The underlying issue which caused his collapse is still to be resolved which may involve a heart operation of some kind, his medical team are still working this out.

"So far, due to his age, fitness and strength, he is making a remarkable recovery considering what a massive shock his body has received.

"We have been overwhelmed with all the messages of support, from everyone, especially the basketball community, some from people we’ve never met.

"Please accept our gratitude and apologies if we have failed to reply to all of them, they are literally in their hundreds.

"Thanks especially to the Nix Nation who now feel like our own family."