A FOOTBALLER who collapsed on the pitch before undergoing two heart operations inspired his mum to take on a half marathon.
Finley Bacon, from Halstead, collapsed while playing football just before his 14th birthday and doctors initially put it down to a panic attack.
Further tests uncovered high levels of the protein troponin in the keen footballer’s blood, which indicated there had been some damage to his heart.
Now 17, Finley is preparing to undergo his third heart operation at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London to deal with his high heartbeat, which is often as high as 240 beats per minute – more than twice as fast as a normal resting heart rate.
Finley’s mum, Tracy Bacon, has been by her son’s side throughout his treatment and is now preparing to lace up her trainers and take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
The 13.1-mile race on April 7 starts near Trafalgar Square and passes some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.
The 52-year-old business owner says her son’s resilience inspired her to take on the challenge.
“One time when he was lying in hospital having an episode I thought with everything he’s going through, I can run a half marathon, raise some funds, and raise some awareness,” she said.
Tracy has raised £400 for the British Heart Foundation so far while training on the hilly roads of Halstead and hopes other parents will take note of her family’s journey.
She added: “Without everything the charity has done with their research, we could’ve unfortunately been without Finley today.
“If you’re not sure about something and think your child is ill, ask questions. If we can save one life by bringing this to the forefront then that’s positive.”
Inspirational Finley’s condition is kept under control with a daily cocktail of pills and he has made a return to the pitch, playing for Cornard United’s under-18s side.
The Colchester Sixth Form College student recently passed his driving test and is hoping to start as an apprentice mechanic after he finishes his A levels in criminology, psychology, and law.
To support Tracy, visit justgiving.com/tracy-bacon7.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here