THE football family are rallying round in support of Lewis Hardcastle, who has been forced to retire aged 22 due to a heart condition.
Hardcastle was part of the Barrow side which was promoted to the Football League last season and was also called up to the last England C squad to play Wales C in March 2020 –a game which was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.
The Blackburn Rovers academy product made 69 appearances for the Bluebirds before falling ill prior their recent League Two game with another of his former clubs, Salford City.
Tests later revealed that the Bolton-born midfielder had a heart condition and despite undergoing a procedure to treat it, experts advised that he should retire from the professional game.
In a heartfelt message posted on Twitter, Hardcastle said: “My doctor told me the news no footballer or young athlete should ever hear, he told me my case was so severe that I needed an ICD implant in my heart to save my life.
“He advised that it would be unsafe to play football again due to the risk of me having a cardiac arrest.
“My life is worth more than football and I could not put my family through the worry of watching me knowing something could happen.”
A club statement read: “Barrow AFC is saddened to announce the retirement from professional football of Lewis Hardcastle.
“The club is doing everything it can to support Lewis and his family at this very difficult time and further announcements will be made in the coming weeks.”
A Gofundme page has been set up to help Lewis and his next step. To donate, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/lewis-hardcastle-early-retirement-fund
