George Heard a member of the promotion winning Marlborough II’s team was announced recently as an ambassador for Bath Rugby’s new initiative ‘All Sorts All Sports’ where those who have won against adversity get to tell their story on a national platform.
Two seasons ago, George nearly paid the ultimate price for the sport he loves and is passionate about. He had received a hard tackle in a friendly game against Rosalyn Park, but didn’t think much about it. The following week when the seconds were away to Frome he collapsed on the field. He was rushed to hospital, underwent numerous x-rays but it wasn’t until an MRI scan showed the problem – a massive amount of internal bleeding. A critical life-threatening condition requiring immediate surgery.
The operation was a success and after spending w while in hispital he managed to make a full recovery and a year to the day was back on the pitch playing for Marlborough after having to learn to walk again. Every day he had visitors from the Club, the RFU and Bath legend, Freddie Burns, spent a couple hours with George. Freddie listened to George’s story as well as talking about his own injuries and how rugby and their love for the game would get them through – with help from the medical teams, their teammates and most of all their loved ones.
George plus another seven inspirational people went to bath’s training ground where the teams Conditioning Coach put them through their paces. They then had a coaching session from some of the senior squad members.
George is very thankful for all the support he received, and he hopes to be able to help others who are going through tough times. Marlborough RFC are very proud of him, his strength and determination helped him to achieve his goal of returning to the rugby pitch and secondly helping his mates win promotion to Dorset & Wilts 1 North division, the first time in the history of the Club that the second team has achieved such a position.
The new season is nearly here, and George is looking forward to it, already attending pre-season training and gym sessions. He has further rugby ambitions, helping Marlborough to achieve further promotion and maybe even making Rugby a career.
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