A GROUP of Luton Town fans are holding a fundraising event for lifelong supporter Richard Henry, who suffered serious neck, shoulder and back injuries in a fall at work recently.
Painter and decorator Richard fell off a ladder and over a staircase banister in January, breaking bones in his neck, shoulder – which he also dislocated – as well as four ribs, two fingers and a punctured lung.
Fears the 52-year-old might be paralysed have eased, and he has been able to re-take his season ticket seat in Kenilworth Road’s David Preece stand alongside son James in recent weeks as John Still‘s men look to seal the Skrill Premier title, but he is likely to be off work for some time yet.
Hatters’ youth coach Lee Cowley, the former Dunstable Town and Arlesey manager, and his wife have organised the social event for this Friday in the St John’s Parish Centre in the Bedfordshire town’s Sundon Park area. A disco and raffle will be held.
Cowley said: “I worked with Richard for years and my son does now. He was the one who found him after the fall.
“He’s Luton through and through and the first thing he said when I went to see him in hospital was ‘I’m not going to be able to get to the game on Saturday now’!
“He travels home and away and thankfully he’s now able to get about, he gets to the ground and into his seat before anyone else, then leaves after the crowd’s gone so he doesn’t get knocked.
“He can’t bear to be away from the club he loves, so hopefully people will turn out and we can raise a few quid for him at a difficult time.”
The event kicks-off at 7.30pm and anyone interested in attending can simply turn up on the night, or call Lee Cowley on 07508850155. Entry is £5.