'Just one more sleep, darling': Bride's loving tweet to miracle footballer Fabrice Muamba 24 hours before they wed

The stricken footballer married his childhood sweetheart this weekend at a 'fairy tale' castle

Miracle footballer Fabrice Muamba is to marry today, and his loving bride-to-be yesterday excitedly tweeted: "One more sleep."

Fabrice will tie the knot with long-term girlfriend Shauna Magunda, 27, at a "fairy tale" medieval castle - with the doctor who helped save his life present as guest of honour.

It was seven months ago that cardiologist Dr Andrew Deaner leapt from his seat to help the 24-year-old after he collapsed at White Hart Lane during Bolton's FA Cup quarter-final with Tottenham.

Fabrice's heart stopped for 78 minutes and he was given 15 separate defibrillator shocks.

But miraculously he pulled through after Dr Deaner advised medics to take the ex-England Under 21 international to the London Chest Hospital.

When he saw Muamba collapse, the Spurs supporter immediately ran up the gangway to the pitch where he explained to stewards that he was a heart specialist.

Speaking after Fabrice's heart was restarted following 78 minutes, the doctor said: "In effect, he was dead in that time."

As he left the hospital, grateful Fabrice thanked the doctors for saving his life. He said: "The staff's dedication, professionalism and expertise are simply amazing. I will forever be in their debt."

Now the ex-Bolton ace, who has since been fitted with a pacemaker to prevent a similar attack, has given the heart-specialist the biggest thank you of all by inviting him to his wedding.

Fabrice and Shauna - the mother of his three year-old son, Joshua Jeremiah - will marry at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.

Bedside

The Grade I listed building is the only intact medieval-style castle in the country and has been the location for several movies and television series including Robin Hood and Doctor Who.

It is described on its website as a truly "fairy tale setting".

Shauna, who met Fabrice while he was playing for Birmingham City and she was studying for a masters degree at the city university, made arrangements for the wedding while spending a month at his hospital bedside.

She picked up their bespoke wedding rings last week.

Fabrice announced his decision to quit football after travelling to Belgium for a minor heart operation and seeking medical advice from a top cardiologist.

The star was told it would put too much pressure on his heart.