Rugby players show caring side for Chris

A former second row for North Leamington School’s sixth form team, 24-year-old Chris Haynes broke his neck when he dived into the sea and hit a sandbank while he was in Majorca in June.

Aiming to raise funds for equipment to help Chris in his rehabilitation, the school’s current sixth form team took on a North Leamington Old Boys side at Leamington Rugby Club last month with the senior players winning 22-10 in a close game.

The event, for which Chris travelled from Stoke Mandeville Hospital to attend, raised £2,000.

Steve, Chris’s father, said: “Christopher really can’t say a big enough thank you to all the people who have supported him and the event.

“He is working really hard in rehab and he’s looking forward to getting back to living in this area as soon as he can.”

Chris is hoping to have completed his residential programme at the hospital and return to his home in Bubbenhall by the middle of March.

John Williamson, a rugby coach and teacher at North Leamington, played a big part in organising the fundraising match.

He said: “Whether they played, watched or helped out, everybody made a massive effort.

“The most important thing was that Chris got to see how much people care about him.”

The fundraising effort will continue thanks to Mr Williamson’s friend Harlequins academy head coach and England sevens player Howard Graham.

Mr Graham has donated a signed Harlequins shirt, which is being sold in an auction. Any proceeds which are left after the equipment is bought will be given to charity.

[email protected]