Bolton Wanderers honored a lifelong supporter who passed away following a collapse during yesterday’s game. Oldham native Iain Purslow, 71, became ill during Saturday’s League 1 match at Toughsheet Community Stadium against Cheltenham Town (January 13).
Mr. Purslow, who was watching the Whites with his son Stuart, appeared to be having a suspected cardiac arrest in the stands, causing the game to be stopped and then abandoned.
Although the club broke the tragic news of his death today, he was admitted to the h ospital. “Bolton Wanderers is deeply saddened to confirm that the supporter taken ill at yesterday afternoon’s home fixture against Cheltenham Town has passed away,” the team said in a statement released this afternoon (Sunday).
Iain Purslow, a lifelong fan, is thought to have had a cardiac arrest in the first half of the match. Before being transported to a hospital, where he sadly passed away, medical personnel and paramedics at the stadium provided the 71-year-old with continuous CPR treatment.
“Iain, who is from Oldham, came to the game with his son Stuart to cheer on the Whites.
Later in the day, Club Chaplain Phil Mason stayed with the family. The Club will continue to provide the family with all the care and support it can, as well as seek to provide assistance to anyone else affected by this upsetting event.
“At this deeply sad time, everyone associated with Bolton Wanderers is sending their condolences to Iain’s family and loved ones. At Wanderers’, Iain will be remembered.
About 30 minutes into the 3 p.m. game, Mr. Purslow became ill, and the players were removed from the field. At approximately 4 p.m., the referee Sunny Singh Gill and both teams decided to end the game.
“Wanderers would also like to thank all those supporters and medical staff who provided assistance, and for the cooperation and understanding of everyone inside the stadium – including our visitors from Cheltenham – on Saturday” said the statement.
It also stated that the match against Cheltenham will be rescheduled eventually.
