**A Father’s Promise: Turning Tragedy into Hope After Daughter’s Sudden Loss**
It was a day that would forever mark the lives of the Nokes family: 28 December 2016. The memory still lingers with painful clarity for Professor Len Nokes, as it does for his family. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into every parent’s nightmare when his daughter, Claire Nokes—a bright, energetic, and much-loved young woman—suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while visiting a friend’s house.
Despite the swift intervention of first responders and dedicated staff at the University Hospital of Wales, Claire’s heart had stopped for long enough to deprive her brain of oxygen. The damage proved irreversible. After nine long months of intensive care at Rookwood Hospital, Claire died at just 26 years old.
Reflecting on that traumatic day, Professor Nokes—who serves as the club doctor for Cardiff City Football Club—remembers the moment he received the shocking phone call at home. Rushing half a mile to the scene, he arrived alongside the paramedics, witnessing firsthand the frantic efforts to revive his daughter. Despite their best endeavours, by the time Claire’s heart was restarted, the prolonged period without oxygen had inflicted significant brain injury.
“Her heart was in a rhythm that wasn’t shockable,” Professor Nokes recounted. “She suffered a lack of oxygen to her brain and later passed away, naturally, in hospital. You feel utterly powerless in those moments. From that day, I knew I never wanted another family to experience the pain we endured.”
Medical investigations later revealed Claire had been living with undiagnosed myocarditis, an inflammatory condition of the heart. In the aftermath of his loss, Professor Nokes sought solace—and purpose—by vowing to campaign and raise awareness. He became an advocate for the registration of defibrillator devices in public spaces, urging businesses to install these potentially lifesaving machines in accessible, unlocked cabinets for 24/7 use.
Navigating the devastation, Professor Nokes admits he slipped into what he calls “doctor mode” to cope. He praised the nurses at Rookwood Hospital, calling them his “angels” for their unwavering support of his family during the most tumultuous period of their lives. “We clung to hope for improvement, but time told a different story,” he said. “I don’t think my wife Sarah or I could have carried on without them.”
The family were also supported by the Prop Appeal, managed by Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, which funds enhancements for patients enduring brain injury rehabilitation. Professor Nokes, now a patron for the appeal, highlighted their efforts: “They provided specialist technology to aid both patients and therapists. It’s these little touches that truly matter.”
Driven to keep Claire’s spirit alive, Professor Nokes decided to chronicle his experiences in a deeply personal book, *Only Time Will Tell: A Father’s Journey*. Written during countless bedside hours, the memoir documents his emotional journey through hope, despair, and love. “I made Claire a promise to tell our story. It’s a record of my journey—everyone in our family has their own perspective,” he explained.
Yet his commitment did not end there. As the independent chair of Save a Life Cymru, a body launched by the Welsh Government, Professor Nokes has channelled his grief into action—advocating for improved awareness of cardiac arrests and better public education in life-saving techniques such as CPR and defibrillation use.
In a fitting tribute, his next fundraising effort will see a Cardiff City Select XI—skippered by Joe Ledley—compete against an international All Stars XI, led by David Marshall, in a charity football match at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday 9 May at 6:30pm. Well-known footballers, including Craig Bellamy, Sean Morrison, and Robert Earnshaw, have pledged their support, all in aid of the Prop Appeal.
“The response from former players has been overwhelming. They’re giving their time and energy to support this cause, and Cardiff City FC have been brilliant throughout,” said Professor Nokes.
Tickets for the event are now on sale, with all proceeds directed to supporting brain injury rehabilitation at local hospitals. In the end, it’s not just about remembering Claire, but about ensuring her legacy brings hope and help to others—a promise Professor Nokes intends to keep.