Six years ago I sustained an injury whilst playing for Sharlston Rovers ARLFC. Previous to the injury I had played for several clubs including Castleford, Dewsbury, Wakefield and Hunslet, plus a season in Australia on the Gold Coast.

My injury was a rather nasty one resulting in two broken bones in my neck at the level C3 C4 leaving me paralysed from my neck down.
After the Doctors diagnosis, my future looked rather grim as they told me that I probably wouldn’t be able to take care of my day to day needs myself, let alone walk again. I took this rather personally and couldn’t except my future this way.

For the next few months I had some very intensive physiotherapy at Pinderfields hospital where my physios and the nursing staff were fantastic to me.

After a few months I got partial use of my arms and after 4 months stood by myself. After my release I teamed up with private physio and a good friend Natasha Green to form Tops Fitness and Rehabilitation along with another good friend Steve Johnson (Mr.UK 1974.)

The centre we formed is one of only a handful in the UK specialising in rehabilitation for those with spinal injuries and neurological problems. The centre also provides a very sound social environment.

I met up with Phil Clarke and Dave Phillips who came to see me and explained to me their plans for the benevolent fund. With the connection at the centre they helped me reach personal goals along with help funding the specialist apparatus.

The Benevolent Fund has assisted me financially but it is also important to stress the help and advice they have given me. I’ve met some colourful characters and made great and lasting friendships. The RFL Benevolent Fund binds us and bonds us at the same time. I look forward to supporting its activities in the future.

Jimmy.