A MAJOR fund-raising bid to support wounded Worcester Warrior Michael Fatialofa on his long road to recovery has raised more than £20,000 in just over 24 hours.
The Kiwi left hospital this week to move to a specialist spinal injuries clinic at the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital in Aylesbury and has been boosted with the launch of a drive to fund immediate, future and unforeseen costs he and his family will be faced with following his injury.
Rugby Players Association chiefs unveiled the JustGiving page together with Restart, the official charity of the association, which will manage the page. All funds donated and raised will be to meet the needs of Fatialofa and his family.
The injured Warriors lock sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury within 60 seconds of coming on the pitch from a tackle gone wrong in the club’s clash with Saracens on January 4 and now faces an uncertain future in the professional game.
He was rushed off the pitch by paramedics to an Intensive Care Unit in a London hospital, but was paralysed from the neck down. His condition still remains serious.
However, he is making progress following successful surgery to contain the swelling and compression on his spinal cord.
Michael’s wife, Tatiana said: “As a family, we appreciate any help people are willing to give at this difficult time. It is very humbling and well outside of our comfort zone to reach out and ask for support in this way.
“We would love to thank everyone in advance, and feel so overwhelmed already by the generosity, prayers and kindness Michael and I have been shown. Together, we can all ensure he has the best chance of regaining independence and living a fulfilling life again.
Michael continues to be supported by numerous parties including Worcester Warriors, the RFU Injured Players Foundation, Pacific Rugby Players, Esportif, NZ Rugby Foundation and NZRPA.
Warriors chiefs have thrown their support behind the campaign and have revealed other fund-raising plans are in the pipeline to come to the aid of the wounded Warriors ace.
“Since Michael suffered his injury there have been so many offers of support from across the rugby community,” said Warriors’ co-owner Colin Goldring.
“Warriors are fully supportive of the campaign which has been launched and we would like supporters who want to support Michael and his family to donate to the JustGiving page.
“Warriors are continuing to employ Michael and have also covered the costs of a private hospital to ensure he has the best possible care and as a starting donation to the fund-raising.
Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/michaelfatialofa for more.
