‘Six feet Seven-inch-tall’ Nigel Winder from Grindleford has played for Hope Valley Rugby club for nearly two decades since the age of 19 despite having his first aortic valve surgery aged 23 and the second when he was 30 years old.
Although Nigel suffers with a Biscupid heart valve disorder and query Marfans Syndrome he has managed to keep active and his long-term health consultant, Dr. Lawrence O’Toole felt that his speedy recovery rates were primarily due to his excellent fitness levels, training and playing rugby.
The chances of getting Endocarditis are a Million-to-one, yet Nigel has managed to get it FOUR times over the last few years; apparently, there was more chance that Nigel could have won the lottery!
Unfortunately, in 2003, this condition lead to risk of heart failure and a stroke with a right cerebral haemorrhage, which resulted extensive hospital support, reviews and health monitoring.
In 2015 a third episode of bacterial Endocarditis resulted in the need for his third Aortic Valve surgery. In the days following this surgery, infection markers indicated a further complication; sepsis in his native hip. This hip was removed until the infection cleared, and a full hip replacement could be completed several months later.
Now, after three years recuperation, Nigel sticks to his moto of;
After leaving school in 1986, Nigel studied to do an Engineering Industry Training Board (EITB) Apprenticeship at Petre Street, Sheffield. For decades the EITB centre was responsible for developing mechanical and electrical engineering apprentices and Nigel was lucky enough to enrol there and meet a good group of friends. Sadly, he lost contact with them in subsequent years, primarily because of his health troubles.
Then in July 2018, after 30 years of no contact, the friends reunited and learnt of the heart condition plight of Nigel and the support he was given by his loving wife Rachael and her family, their friends and all the Staff at Northern General and Hallamshire hospitals.
So, after a few beers one evening in October 2018, the friends decided that they would raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in recognition of the amazing work they do.
This challenge would also be the catalyst event to help get Nigel’s fitness back given cycling is easier than walking with Nigel’s Morton’s Neuroma and Torn Plantar!!
Following the success of the BHF fund raising event in April 2019, the group of friends decided to form 'Team EITB' to raise funds for all types of charities and good causes close to their hearts.