Star Robert Lindsay, lifelong Derby County fan aims to inspire Rams supporters to learn lifesaving CPR

Actor and lifelong Derby County fan Robert Lindsay teamed up with club employees to participate in Sky Bet’s epic nationwide relay to inspire supporters to learn lifesaving CPR.

Derby played host to the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters Relay which saw Mr Lindsay take on the gruelling 31km cycle ride between Pride Park Stadium and Notts County’s Meadow Lane on Tuesday, April 14, 2025.

The Sky Bet Every Minute Matters Relay, which kicked off on March 25, is a gruelling 4,000-kilometer 28-day journey that will feature an incredible 72 legs stopping off at every EFL club before culminating at Wembley on April 21.

The truly unique charity event will see supporters of each EFL club team up with former football stars and celebrity fans to either run, walk or cycle each leg.

Mr Lindsay said: “I was thrilled to be asked to take part in the Derby leg for the Sky Bet, Every Minute Matters campaign.

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“Not only is the campaign dear to my heart but most will know, I am a die-hard Derby County FC fan, so it was a no brainer.

“The Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign has been fantastic in showing over 270,000 football fans just how important CPR is, and also how easy it is, to learn – but we want to hit 360,000.

“Just 15 minutes is enough to learn a skill that may one day save someone’s life. My message to fans, to everyone today, is very simple. Learn CPR.

“Use the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF’s) simple online training tool, and don’t be scared. It takes 15 minutes and that’s all I am asking Derby County fans to do, to support this wonderful cause.”

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Former Derby County defender and captain Curtis Davies, who cycled the Relay on behalf of the club from Pride Park Stadium to Notts County’s Meadow Lane, said: “The football community has seen first-hand that cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate.

“It can happen to anyone at any time. And that’s why Derby County are passionate about supporting the Sky Bet Every EFL Every Minute Matters Relay.”

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Davies continued: “CPR is a vital skill that helps save thousands of lives every year. With the help of our fans, and the fans of every EFL club, we can save thousands more.

“Sky Bet has stepped up with the cash, all we need from our fans is their time. If we all commit just 15 minutes to learn lifesaving CPR we can make a huge impact.”

Other big name footie icons and celebrities involved in the nationwide relay include: Big Sam Allardyce; Jack Wilshere, Graeme Souness, Tom Lockyer, Glenn Hoddle, Dion Dublin, Troy Deeney, Elis James, Robert Lindsey and Sir Tony Robinson.*

How can you learn CPR?

CPR can make the difference between life and death.

It is reported that each month more than 2,500 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK and tragically less than one in 10 survive, often because those around them don’t have the confidence to perform CPR.

Every minute that passes reduces the chances of survival by 10%.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the BHF, said: “The Every Minute Matters campaign is truly lifesaving.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have already been encouraged to learn CPR, and through the efforts of participants and talent taking part in Sky Bet’s Relay, we know many more will be inspired to learn this vital skill.

“We will be cheering on Robert and Derby County employees and want to thank them in joining the BHF’s mission to ensure more lives are saved from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.”

To learn CPR in just 15 minutes click here.