A Bolton-born footballer has been forced to retire at the age of 22, due to a heart problem.
League Two club Barrow have announced the retirement of midfielder Lewis Hardcastle, today (March 24).
Hardcastle, who grew up in Atherton, became ill during the side's 1-0 defeat at Salford City last month.
Medical examinations revealed a heart condition and despite undergoing a procedure to treat it, experts have advised that he should retire.
In a statement, a spokesman for Barrow AFC said: "Lewis, 22, joined the Club in 2019 following an impressive loan spell from Blackburn Rovers and has made 69 appearances for The Bluebirds, including many as captain.
"He was instrumental in our promotion back to the Football League last season and will go down in Club history as one of the 2019/20 National League title-winning side.
"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."
