Hessle dad who lost leg in horrific fork lift truck accident to be guest of honour at Hull KR match

Super League fans will be recognising community volunteers who are ‘the heartbeat of the game’ – and raising funds to help support those who suffer serious injuries – at this Friday’s clash between Hull KR and Salford.

As part of Rovers’ annual ‘Community Round’, supported by Hudgell Solicitors, four award winners will be crowned from dozens of volunteers, coaches, community club administrators, referees and young people nominated.

The game will also be used to as a platform to raise awareness and funds for Day One Trauma Support – a national charity dedicated to helping people who suffer major traumatic injuries.

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Day One provides emotional and practical support, as well as financial and legal advice, for patients in UK Major Trauma Centres, and their loved ones, while they are in hospital and beyond.

Rob Smith, from Hessle, East Yorkshire, was supported by Day One after suffering a serious forklift truck accident at work which led to him needing his right leg amputated, following seven hours of surgery.

He is attending the game as a special guest, and said: “I spent ten days in hospital, where I first came into contact with Day One. They gave me hope.

“They helped me realise that life would get back to something more normal. They were there not just for me, but for my wife Emma. It felt like people were there for you. They were always there in the background if you needed them and they didn’t just help me, they were also there for family and friends to keep you on that road to recovery.

“It was Day One’s founder, Professor Giannoudis, who did my surgery back in 2021. If it hadn’t been for him, and the rest of the team, I think it would have been a different outcome. You don’t realise how much Day One is needed until you go through something like this.”

Rob Smith at home with his daughter Poppy and Hayley Ibbotson of Day One Trauma (Image: Hudgell Solictors)

Helen Saunders, head of marketing at Hudgell Solicitors, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Hull KR for their Community Round once again when we will be recognising those who are the heartbeat of the sport at grassroots level, announcing the winners of the Volunteer of The Year, Community Club of The Year, Young Person of The Year and Women in League awards.

“This year we are delighted to also be raising the profile of Day One Trauma, a charity we are immensely proud to have established close links with, which supports people like Rob and their families in the immediate aftermath of a life-changing serious injury.

“Support can come through providing bedside support and a listening ear, to emergency funding to cover accommodation costs for loved ones to remain near to a hospital, as well as covering the cost of equipment needed to be discharged from hospital, such as mobility aids not readily available through the NHS.”

Hayley Ibbottson, Senior Fundraiser of Day One Trauma Support said funds raised will help support more families across Hull and East Yorkshire, as well as York, Greater Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.

The charity aims to look after the wellbeing of people from day one of their recovery, also offering peer support from others who have previously recovered from similar injuries, benefits and welfare advice, family counselling and introductions to crisis support organisations.

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“We are very grateful to Hull Kingston Rovers and Hudgell Solicitors for making us a part of their Community Round and allowing us to spread the word on the important work we do, whist raising vital funds, said Hayley.

“There are around 20,000 major trauma cases in England and Wales every year and the average age of patients is just under 40 years old. Despite the excellent clinical care that patients receive in NHS Major Trauma Centres, that care predominantly focuses on treating the physical injuries, rather than addressing the wider impact which a major traumatic injury can have on life, which in reality, could be changed beyond all comprehension.”

Craig Franklin, chief operating officer of Hull Kingston Rovers, said: “As a club which prides itself on not only being at the heart of its community, but importantly on making a positive impact, we are delighted to be hosting these awards once again with Hudgell Solicitors, and also this year raising awareness and funds of Day One Trauma Support.

“We know that our fans recognise the huge impact of those who are involved in and support the grassroots of our game. We’re also all too aware as a club of how people who suffer serious and unexpected life-changing injuries need support networks around them.

“We’ve seen it with players of all ages, and fans in the past, so I am sure our supporters and sponsors will make sure it is a successful day and donate what they can.”

All four Community Awards winners – who will be announced at half-time at Friday’s game, will receive £1,000 prize money to spend on kit and equipment for their chosen club.

Day One Trauma Support will be present at the game fundraising and raising awareness of the charity. The main fundraiser for Day One Trauma is an online prize draw for which local business have got behind the cause donating prizes. For just £10, there are 10 chances to win some amazing prizes, including: