To mark Heart Month this February, Panini is teaming up with Bristol Rovers’ defender Tom Lockyer to launch a limited-edition shiny sticker with the aim of supporting the lifesaving work of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Panini, through its partnership with the English Football League (EFL), have created a limited run of the Tom Lockyer stickers which will be exclusively available to fans attending Bristol Rovers’ home clash against Grimsby Town on 21 February.
Lockyer sent shockwaves through the football world when he suffered a cardiac arrest mid‑match on 16 December 2023.
Thanks to the fast actions of bystanders and club medics, who rushed to perform CPR and defibrillation, the then‑29‑year‑old survived. He spent five days in hospital and later had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted.
Now 31, Tom has openly documented his long road to recovery and remarkable return to football. The Bristol Rovers defender has since become an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation and is passionate about encouraging everyone to learn CPR and understand what to do in the ultimate medical emergency.
This limited-edition sticker aims to celebrate Lockyer’s incredible return to the pitch and supports the vital work of the British Heart Foundation this Heart Month - encouraging people to look after their own hearts as well as others.
Lucky Gasheads who get their hands on one of these stickers are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to the British Heart Foundation in-person at the Memorial Stadium or online, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the charity.
Donate to the British Heart Foundation HERE
An avid collector himself Tom Lockyer, Bristol Rovers defender, said: “I am delighted to be partnering with Panini to bring this limited-edition EFL shiny sticker to Rovers and EFL fans.
"I’ve been a Panini sticker and card collector for years, so I know the feeling of trying to track down a specific shiny to finish a collection. I honestly thought my days of being on a sticker were over, so to have another one, especially in the blue and white quarters, is something I’m really excited about.
"It’s even better that we’re doing this to support the British Heart Foundation, of which I’m a proud ambassador. I hope the Gasheads and EFL fans enjoy adding this to their collections, all whilst helping the amazing work the BHF does.”
This special edition ensures Tom is cemented in EFL history for sticker collectors, following the launch of the first ever Panini collection featuring players from all 72 EFL Clubs.
Katie Gritt, Head of Sport Marketing at Panini, said: “Knowing that Tom is a big fan of Panini and that he missed out on a place in the EFL sticker album due to signing for Bristol Rovers after our print deadline, we were determined to find a way to celebrate his return to the pitch that he’s worked so hard to achieve!
"By creating this limited-edition sticker for Rovers fans, a club that means a lot to Tom, and supporting the incredible work of the British Heart Foundation, it’s the perfect way to commemorate this special moment."
Funds raised by this heart‑warming special‑edition Panini card will help power research into cardiovascular disease and it’s causes. As well as support the vital work the BHF does teaching people what to do when someone has an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
The charity says early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of cardiac arrest survival. You can learn CPR in just 15 minutes — the length of half‑time — using the BHF’s free online tool RevivR. All you need is a cushion and a smartphone.
Louise Gallard, Fundraising Manager for Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire said: “A cardiac arrest is the ultimate medical emergency, and Tom’s story shows just how suddenly it can strike. His recovery has become one of football’s most powerful reminders of the importance of learning CPR.
“We’re incredibly proud to have Tom as an ambassador. His courage in sharing his experience, and his determination to turn a terrifying moment into a force for good will inspire fans everywhere to learn lifesaving CPR. This special Panini sticker isn’t just a collectors’ item, it’s a chance to spark conversations, raise vital funds for the BHF this Heart Month, and help more people be ready to step in to help save a life.”
Learn CPR in just 15 minutes, search BHF RevivR or visit revivr.bhf.org.uk