Halifax mixed martials arts fighter George Smith has spoken of the health scare that led to him having a heart operation.
George, from Shelf, had an operation in July after being diagnosed with with atrial fibrillation, which causes an abnormal heart rhythm.
And he is now fundraising for the charity Cardiac Risk In The Young, who provide support around sudden cardiac deaths among young people.
“My condition started around 2019. I assumed it was a mental or fitness problem which could be sorted,” said George, 27.
George’s condition has detrimental effects on athletes pushing themselves daily, which is why his symptoms were so prominent.
George was operated on with a procedure called ablation, which uses small burns or freezes to cause some scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats.
“I am generally an overly positive person and the last couple of years has tested that, building my confidence and readiness to compete will be a different challenge but one I’m excited for.
“I am looking to fight by the end of the year and I’m running the Manchester half marathon in October for the charity
“I want my story to encourage young people to listen to their bodies and young people with aspirations, regardless of what they go through, to follow their dreams.
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/awarenessdetection-young-peoples-heart-health?qid=ad9a5419b39ffa73eeadf2141facb760
