Source: Northern_Echo
Smith reveals scare
MICHAEL Smith has revealed how his first goal at The Northern Echo Arena on Monday completed an emotional return to football for him and his family.[LNB] Few Darlington fans are aware that the 19-year-old striker was told just 18 months ago that he faced losing limbs and possibly even his life from meningococcal meningitis.[LNB] But the South Shieldsborn forward battled back from a disease which takes 135,000 lives worldwide every year.[LNB] His return was rewarded with a first home goal for the Quakers in the 3-1 win over Barrow.[LNB] In an interview for the club's programme for today's visit of AFC Wimbledon, Smith said: When I was being discharged the doctors told me that I could have died or lost limbs.[LNB] I was told my fingers and legs could have dropped off because of blood clots. If it wasn't treated as soon as it was I'd never have played football again.[LNB] My mam and dad visited my every day in hospital.[LNB] My mam was often in tears but I knew I had to stay strong. I knew I'd been given a second chance, and I was going to make the most of it.[LNB] The full interview with Smith is in the matchday programme, on sale in and around the Arena before and after the match, priced £2.50.[LNB]
