Harrogate Know The Importance Of Heart Checks

The National League newcomers have ensured their squad be strapped up to the specialist heart monitors to check their circulatory systems.

Harrogate say it is a part of the club’s ongoing commitment to health and fitness.

The importance of the checks are especially poignant for the National League North Promotion Final winners’ Jack Emmett.

The midfielder lost not only his twin brother Alex but also his university friend to heart attacks at an early age.

Alex suffered a cardiac arrest aged just 18. Dan, a fellow football player, had been playing for Shaw Lane when he died after a heart attack on the pitch.

“Losing people that close has really underlined to me the importance of health checks,” said Jack.

“Every time I play football, this is in the back of my mind. If Dan had had an ECG that would have shown there was a problem and mayhave saved his life.

“Dan was so healthy and fit, and the last person you’d think would have a heart attack. It’s reassuring to have these scans and to know that there is nothing wrong.”

Cardiologist Professor Chris Gale from BMI The Duchy Hospital said: “It’s good to see Harrogate Town working alongside BMI The Duchy to promote good heart health in this way.

“The emphasis they are placing on ensuring the health of their players is a good example of how we can all look after ourselves and each other.”

Harroagate manager Simon Weaver added: “We’ve a lot of young men with young families; we need to make sure that they are safe and to know that we care about them.”