A FIT young footballer who was struck down with a rare illness which left him in an induced coma has played his first full game since recovering.
Aaron Tate, 25, of Wombwell, collapsed in June 2017 and was diagnosed with Guillian Barre Syndrome, a disease in which the immune system attacks its own nerves rather than germs in the body.
But the former semi-professional footballer is almost fully recovered and played his first full 90 minutes of football on Saturday for Wombwell Main Reserves, beating North Gawber Reserves 4-1.
Aaron, a teacher at Outwood Academy Carlton, said: “It was a big weight off my shoulders, it just felt good to be doing what I’d been doing previously.
“With what I have been through, I didn’t know if I would be back doing what I love, playing football.
“It was my first step in recovery in a way. As much as it was a game of football, it was me getting back to fitness and to where I was before.
“I was looking forward to it more than anything - I just wanted to get 90 minutes under my belt. It’s all miles in the tank.
“I was happy with what I did. I ached a bit that day after like anyone would.”
Aaron is on a phased return to work at Outwood Academy where he teaches IT and maths, and will return full time in the next couple of weeks.
He said: “The staff have been brilliant and the pupils are glad to have me back. Everyone has been warm and welcoming.”
Aaron has sons Addison, three, and Harlan, four months, with partner Charlotte Hayes.
He said there would be no lasting damage to his body, and he is currently trying to reduce his medication for nerve pain.
