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Injured son safe home after coma

Katrina McKeever and Nick Appleyard
24/10/2007

A WILMSLOW footballer who suffered a serious brain injury after a fall in Slovenia, has returned home this week.

Gareth Richards, 26, was left in a coma after a fall outside a restaurant in the north Slovenian town of Bled where he was attending a friend’s wedding.

His parents Dave, 54, who runs The Lounge at Energie Fitness and Gaynor, 50, rushed to his bedside after the fall on October 5.

They were able to bring him home on Monday, after Slovenian doctors released him and declared him fit enough to return to the UK.

The striker, who plays for Ashton United, is now on the road to recovery.

Dave, who returned to the UK for work commitments collected Gareth and Gaynor on Monday from Stanstead Airport.

He, paid tribute to the cooperation between the medical authorities in Slovenia and the UK that enabled his son to return "earlier than expected".

He also paid homage to the warm hospitality offered by the locals in Bled.

"All the people were very kind, the locals left meals by our door and even baked bread for us. Before Gareth returned home, he was given a free room at the George Best pub in the town – we intend to return next year to show our gratitude and give our thanks in person," he said.

"The paramedics were very efficient and got him to the hospital very quickly. The hospital was fully equipped and Gaynor joined him at his bedside. There were three or four days where he was in a critical condition – they were the worst days of our lives.

"It really does make you realise when something like this happens, how your family and friends are the most treasured things in your life – without them you are poor," he added.

He believes his son has the determination to get his strength back and start playing again.

Gareth remains in touch with doctors and aims to be working with a physiotherapist again soon.

And his team mates at Ashton United are playing a benefit match for Gareth against his former club, Maine Road FC, at Hurst Cross, at 7.30pm on November 6.

Manager Danny Johnson has agreed to temporarily step down and allow the highest bidder for his job replace him on the night.

Danny said: "It will be nice to try and raise a few quid to cover the expenses that Gareth and his family have incurred over this traumatic time."

For more information about the match or to bid for the manager’s job visit www.ashtonutd.com.