SPFL clubs and local businesses support Huntly FC footballer Colin Charlesworth's fundraiser for knee surgery to save his Highland League career with all donations towards his operation entered into prize draw
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HIGHLAND League star Colin Charlesworth has thanked the public for supporting his effort to save his football career.
The dad-of-two will undergo surgery this month to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
But because of the Covid-19 pandemic and an 18-month NHS waiting list, Charlesworth has been forced to get the operation done privately and fund it himself - a cost understood to be more than £6000.
The Inverurie-based player has opened a fundraising page to try and raise £3000 to help cover the costs, and has recruited support from the business and footballing community to help attract donations.
For every donation made to the fund will be entered into a raffle with a wide range of lucrative prizes up for grabs.
He has already raised close to £2000 and is appealing for more pledges, highlighting what people can win if they send a donation.
"What an amount of support," he said. "Massive thanks to everyone who has donated already. It’s hugely appreciated."
Current club Huntly have offered boardroom hospitality as a prize in the raffle, while Elgin City and Caley Thistle have donated strips signed by this year's first team squad.
A two-night stay at The Bothy, near Elgin, a round of golf for four people at Spey Bay, a prosecco day, BBQ and a range of vouchers and bottles are among other prizes.
"As way of giving back and saying thank you, every donation will be entered into a raffle giving you a chance to win prizes donated by very generous companies," said Charlesworth.
His injury came about while playing for previous club Deveronvale in a friendly last September.
"Despite rest and a rehabilitation programme from my physiotherapist I was unable to overcome the injury and my only way forward to continue to play football is to undergo surgery.
"Considering my age an operation via the NHS waiting list is not an option as being a father of two sons I want my sons to watch and support me throughout the last few years of my career.
"During the period of my injury, I have recently joined Huntly FC who have been fantastic thus far in supporting me and are fully behind my quest to return to where I was before my injury.
"I really want to continue my playing career, as you are a long time retired, therefore I am asking all friends, family, team-mates, ex-team mates, opposition etc if they can donate, whatever you can to help me to achieve this goal."
See donation page here.
