A former Strictly Come Dancing star's brother was rushed to hospital following a heart attack. Saffron Barker, who appeared on the BBC dance competition in 2019 paired with professional dancer AJ Pritchard, took to social media to urge fans to "send love" to her brother Casey.
The YouTuber and social media influencer said the 27-year-old had suffered a "major heart attack" and was recovering in hospital. Dad-of-three Casey has since revealed he was at home with his partner and children at the time and had made it to hospital "just in time to prevent it being fatal."
Saffron shared a photo of dad-of-three Casey in a hospital bed with her 1.8 million followers on Instagram as she urged him to take it easy, reported Leicestershire Live. She captioned the post: "Rest up big bro. Please send all your love to @caseybarker yesterday he suffered a major heart attack, we are so lucky he is still here with us. Love you case xxxx."
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star Saffron Barker's brother 'lucky to be here' after heart attack
Their mother Wendy also posted on Instagram after receiving the news about her son. Sharing a old photo of Casey as a young boy, Wendy wrote: "Every mother/parents worst nightmare when one of your kids are unwell. To say it was a shock for my firstborn 27 year old healthy boy @caaseybarker had a major heart attack completely out of the blue is an understatement.
"His life flashed before our eyes but thank god for the doctors, his strength and @niicolecorrales quick thinking (I’ll be forever grateful) he pulled through. Thank you everyone for his well wishes."
She added: "We love you more than we could ever tell you Casey you’re such an incredible person/son/brother/dad! Now begins the journey of recovering and probably some everyday life changes but you’re here and you’re going to be well again and that’s all that matters. I love you @caaseybarker."
Many of her followers shared well-wishes in response. Imogen Horton replied: "Thinking of you all, all of your strength & Casey’s strength will get you through this. Sending all our love xxxxx".
Georgia McCudden commented: "So scary! But so glad to hear he’s ok! Thinking of you!" Anna Saccone wrote: "Oh my goodness you poor things. Sending so much love your way".
In a post on his own Instagram page, which can no longer be viewed, Casey wrote: "Not the way I hoped/ expected to end 2022 but grateful I even get to see 2023. Yesterday I had a heart attack whilst home with Nicole and the kids, rushed into hospital and made it just in time to prevent it being fatal.
"I’m feeling much better and resting up in hospital." He was later released home in time for his New Year's Eve celebrations." He added: "Absolutely overwhelmed with all the well wishes. Thank you so much, I have tried to reply to as many as possible but there are so many."
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