Leicester City FA Cup Hero Recalls ‘Surreal’ Wembley Experience
- Adam Martin reflects on carrying out the Emirates FA Cup at Wembley Stadium
- The Leicester City in the Community Health and Wellbeing Coach as named as the Club's FA Cup hero
- His actions helped saved the life of Bill Greaves
- Approximately two hours after Adam carried the trophy out, the Foxes won the FA Cup
Adam was chosen as Leicester City’s FA Cup hero for his quick-thinking actions that aided a participant’s life to be saved before Christmas in 2020.
The coach, who has been working at Leicester City for 14 years, gave life-saving CPR to a walking football participant, Bill Greaves, who had suffered a cardiac arrest at St Margaret’s Pastures session.
He walked alongside Chelsea’s chosen hero to place the world’s oldest club competition trophy on the plinth, following the traditional ‘Abide With Me’ chorus.
Discussing the final itself on Monday, Adam Martin was chuffed to be able to get this opportunity and said: “It was an absolute honour and privilege; it was a very surreal moment to be honest.
“It was a fantastic day for all of the supporters, and everyone connected with Leicester City Football Club.
“To be recognised was really nice and the biggest thing I have ever done.”
Ahead of Leicester’s first FA Cup Final success, Adam received news that he would be walking the FA Cup out on to the pitch in a surprise media opportunity from The FA.
The LCitC Coach then opened an unexpected virtual message from Club Ambassador, Emile Heskey, informing Adam of the opportunity; before turning around to see the trophy.
“The amounts of messages I have got from people via social media has been humbling.
“People from the US - where I used to work - and Australia and the UAE as well have all got in contact with me to wish me all the best.
“It has been a fantastic week - my phone hasn’t stopped going off, even now!”
On the day of the final, Adam went through a practice run and had a luxurious Wembley experience with his spouse.
With both sets of players right behind him, and the atmosphere from the Wembley crowd, emotions started to run high when Adam put his left hand on to the coveted silverware.
“As I was carrying the trophy, I didn’t really think about that fact and tried to take [the atmosphere] all in, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“My dad was a big Leicester City fan, took me down there when I was seven-years-old – he would have been really proud. A lot of emotions were running through my head; I knew my family were watching in Gibraltar.”
Meanwhile, Adam has reconnected with Bill Greaves – the walking football player who suffered the heart complications, a mere four months after the heart attack and contracting coronavirus.
They both spoke about that eventful day, with Adam complimentary of Bill’s lifestyle change.
“I am glad it happened where it did happen, so there were people there to help him, because if he was at home or out for a walk on his own then he could have had a different outcome.
“He came over with a big smile on his face and said: ‘Adam, I can’t thank you enough, I am going to have to get you something'.
“I said: 'You didn’t have to get me anything, Bill. I am just glad you are up and playing football again and you are looking so well'. He looks fantastic, he has lost a lot of weight and says he feels so much better now.
“It is great to see him back playing football and looking so well, especially so soon after the incident.”