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Former NRL player Sam Burgess has made headlines for the right reasons, earning praise after assisting a South Sydney fan during a medical episode.
According to Fox Sports, 53-year-old Vicki Panos collapsed in the extreme heat after watching her beloved Rabbitohs train at Redfern Oval on Australia Day. Burgess rushed to her side to give immediate help.
Her carer, Jolzy Louise-Prophe, took to social media to praise Burgess for his quick actions.
“Yesterday on the 26/01/2023 at approximately 11am my client had a medical episode just outside of Redfern oval,” she posted.
“My client is a 53-year-old woman with many health problems and is visually impaired, but that has not stopped her from supporting her team the Rabbitohs. We came down to Redfern to watch the boys train and my client was then so excited to get up close and get some signatures.
“After the training was over we were leaving to return home, however the heat proved too much for my client and she collapsed on the floor. I was there assisting her and when I turned around here was the amazing Sam Burgess on the floor helping my client.
“We love to go to games, we love to put on our jerseys, we love to meet the players, we love our team win or lose, but none of that will match the pride we have today after witnessing the true love, care and support from the boys to someone in need.
“Sam Burgess is truly a Superstar, he did not have to stop, he did not have to help, he did not have to care. But he did stop, he did help and he does care. I’m hoping that those who were there to witness this, will spread the word of just how wonderful Sam and the Rabbitohs are.
“Forever Glory Glory to South Sydney.”
Louise-Prophet also thanked head coach Jason Demetriou for assisting during the ordeal.
Panos, who also suffers from epilepsy, expressed her fears to Wide World of Sports that during the episode, she believed she was going to die.
“I was on the ground, distressed, it was so hot, my heart was barely beating and I thought, ‘This is it, I am going to die,” Panos said.
“Then Sam appeared from nowhere and held my hand, he brushed my hair out of my face and said, ‘You will be OK love, hang in there, we have an ambulance coming’.
“He gave me his own energy drink and that helped a lot.
“He refused to leave my side because he told me he used to nurture his late dad when he was struggling through pain.
“It gave me the strength to fight on. I was in and out of consciousness, but knowing he was there gave me the strength to fight on.
“He saved my life, no doubt about it.
“I’ve read a lot of bad things about him in the press but always thought he was a decent person… this just proves it.”
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