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Acklam heart shock
Story courtesy of
Gresley Rovers have suffered a major blow to their Banks’s League title hopes following the discovery that leading scorer Paul Acklam has a heart condition.
Acklam, a 28-year-old motor mechanic, is in hospital undergoing tests after being taken ill at his Long Eaton home at the weekend.The illness came to light after he complained of dizziness on Sunday. His mother Bobbie told the Mail: “At first we thought it was vertigo. He arranged to see the family doctor and came back looking ashen after being told that it could be a heart condition.
“The doctor arranged for him to go into hospital immediately and a sacn showed his heartbeat to be only half the rate it should be.”
The condition is rare among sportsmen, though not unique. Olympic athlete Seb Coe was similarly diagnosed some years ago.
But medical experts have warned Acklam that unless his heartbeat can be regulated he may have to be fitted with a pacemaker, putting his playing career in serious doubt.
“Paul is quite well in himself and we should know more by Friday when he is due to leave hospital,” added his mother.
Acklam’s misfortune is likely to mean a reprieve for Graham Jones for tomorrow night’s trip to Oldswinford.
Jones was due to be dropped by manager Frank Northwood after being made scapegoat for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Rocester.
