This time last year was a worrying one for hockey vice-captain, Grant Shepherd. Shepherd was anxious about the prospect of his heart conditions affecting his goal of finishing his degree and finding a job in a sports-related field.
In 2017, Shepherd was already diagnosed with a heart Murmur and Arrhythmia and suffered a collapse in university halls. Shepherd had to undergo tests including an echocardiogram and a 24-hour ECG monitor test, which resulted in a diagnosis of Mobitz heart block, also known as Atrioventricular block (AV block) – however the degree of heart block could not be confirmed.
A little while after these tests, Shepherd collapsed again while at university. This second collapse led the University of East London advising him to take an ‘Academic Break’ from his studies in order to properly seek medical help for his new heart conditions, and also due to the requirements of his course. In December 2017, Shepherd withdrew from his studies and returned to home town Milton Keynes where he continued further testing and treatment.
Upon returning home and now under private health care, Shepherd underwent a second 24-hour ECG monitor test, as well as a heat stress MRI scan. These results were very clear and he was quickly diagnosed with Mobitz Type 2 Second Degree Heart Block’, a condition where the heart skips beats in an irregular pattern which can lead to light-headedness, dizziness and fainting.
New Start
Despite all these setbacks Shepherd has been able to return to university this year and spoke positively about the educational side of returning:
“The transition back to university has been a strange one. I am obviously repeating my third year of studies, but with an entire bunch of different classmates. It felt like being a fresher again for the first few weeks, but I quickly settled in a made a few friends in my classes.”
When talking about specifically re-joining the UEL Hockey team he expressed a warm and supportive welcome from his teammates:
“The transition back into the hockey team has also been a very strange experience. I have gone from being the team’s regular goalkeeper, to now one of the outfielders playing in a range of different positions so far this season.
“My teammates have been amazing this season welcoming me back with open arms. I want to specially thank my captain, Isaac Charles who honestly acts as if I never left, but keeps a watchful eye over me to ensure I am always feeling okay. Hockey is a fast paced sport and reassuring to know your captain is always looking out for your health, even in intense moments.”
Positive Outlook
When addressing the risk of further heart problems whilst taking part in sport for the university, Shepherd revealed the likely future outcomes:
“I am fortunate to be a very young and athletic, fit person. At the moment I have been advised by a cardiologist that it is currently safe enough for me to participate in regular sport and exercise. However, one more major incident or as I get older, the likelihood of having a pacemaker fitted will become inevitable as it is the only known cure for Mobitz Type 2 Second Degree Heart Block”.
But the 3rd year Sport, Physical Education and Development student is hopeful for the future and his life goals still revolves around the world of sport:
“Depending on whether or not I have another major incident, I hopefully should be able to fulfil a sports role as a career”
“My plans are to seek a career pathway into sports, whether it be PE teaching, sports coaching, sport coordinating or sport development – I am undecided”
Optimistic End
Shepherd also discussed individuals he owed thanks to for support throughout tough times:
“My family were there for me when I returned home and made sure I went to every appointment and followed the doctors’ orders at all time. My girlfriend and her flatmate were there for me every step of the way and I can honestly say that without them I would not be back at university today.”
“My course leader, Richard Hurt was also incredibly supportive and understanding throughout the entire process and assured me many times that I still had a place waiting for me at UEL. I am extremely thankful to each and every one of these people!”
He spoke incredibly passionately about what sport has and continues to do for him and the influence it has had on himself and his life as a whole:
“Sport for me is the most important and rewarding thing in my life. Sport has no limits. Sport has no barriers. Sport makes it possible for me to give it all I got, to then give it all again and a little more the following day.
“Without sport I’d be nothing. Sport has taught me just about every important life lesson I know today: it’s taught me passion, respect, determination, confidence and many more. I need sport.”
