A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help support local rugby player Luke Orton, who sustained a broken neck whilst taking part in the South Island Sevens rugby tournament at the weekend.
It was on Saturday morning that medics were scrambled to Appley Beach after a tackle by Luke went horribly wrong.
Ryde Beach Lifeguards were first on the scene before the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service responded, alongside HM Coastguard, who helped in moving the 26-year-old to the awaiting ambulance. He was then conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital where it was discovered he had broken his C5 vertebrae, which is pressing on his spinal cord. Unfortunately, Luke cannot currently feel anything from the chest down.
Luke was sedated on Saturday night and flown to Southampton General Hospital by Coastguard Helicopter where he remains in intensive care.
With a long road to recovery ahead of him, which will include months of physiotherapy, a fundraiser has been created by friend and fellow rugby player, Michael Cooper.
A massive £6,500 has already been raised, exceeding the initial target of £2,000. This is to help with travel costs, time off work and anything else the family may need during this uncertain time.
Luke is well-known within the rugby community as a player for Sandown & Shanklin Rugby Club and Ryde Rhinos.
Speaking on the JustGiving page, Michael has said:
“Luke himself is just a larger then life character and the news has left everyone who knew him shocked and so worried. But we all know he is a fighter and won’t quit, so will do everything he can to be back to normal once able”.
You can donate to the JustGiving fundraiser by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Luke-Orton.
