A collision during a football match has left a 16-year-old boy, Declan McDonald, paralyzed from the shoulders down
The incident occurred while he was playing for AC Rovers FC against EK Burgh on January 20 in the Airdrie and Coatbridge area near Glasgow.
Who is AC Rovers FC footballer Declan McDonald as he’s left paralyzed after collision during football match
Following the collision, Declan suffered a broken neck and lost sensation in his body from the shoulders down. He underwent a 10-hour surgery after being rushed to the hospital.
Please join us in sending our thoughts and well wishes to Declan ❤️
AC Rovers FC have advised the following-
“As some of you may have heard Declan McDonald of our 2007 age group was badly injured in a fall at our match on Saturday and he was taken in an ambulance to the QEU… pic.twitter.com/ihadex7P6Q— Grassroots (@Teamgrassroots_) January 24, 2024
Expressing gratitude, Declan’s stepfather, who also coaches the team, thanked everyone present on the day for their assistance.
In a post on AC Rovers’ social media account X, he stated, “As both Declan’s stepdad and the coach of the team, I would like to thank the boys/parents of the team and everyone involved at EK Burgh for helping as best they could on the day.”
AC Rovers Released Statement
AC Rovers released a statement on Facebook, explaining the severity of Declan’s condition and the challenges ahead.
Declan Mcdonald, 16 years old who plays for AC Rovers and a Rangers season ticket holder was unfortunately hurt at the weekend due to a bad collision with him and another player which lead to him breaking his neck and injuring his spinal cord. This has left Declan in paralysis… pic.twitter.com/QNFbf23AUE
— Red Hand T-Shirt Company (@redhandtshirtco) January 25, 2024
They mentioned that while the current prognosis suggests he is unlikely to walk again, they hope rehabilitation and physiotherapy will help regain some feeling or use of his arms and hands.
AC Rovers FC took to Facebook and penned “Following an unfortunate incident, Declan has sustained a broken neck, resulting in the loss of sensation from the shoulders down.
“This morning, he underwent a 10-hour neck surgery. At this point, it’s a waiting game, and the current prognosis indicates that Declan is highly unlikely to regain the ability to walk. However, there is hope that through rehabilitation and physiotherapy, he may recover some feeling and use of his arms and hands.”
The club requested thoughts and prayers for Declan during his ongoing rehabilitation. Declan is a member of the 2007 age group at the club.
Teammates Set Up GoFundMe Page
In response to the unfortunate situation, 16 year old Declan’s teammates initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support him and his family.
The fundraiser has already raised an impressive £32,500, with contributions pouring in from well-wishers, as well as junior and youth teams across the UK. The donors consist of various local football teams.
AC Rovers expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support, acknowledging the generosity of supporters and the efforts made by Declan’s teammates to organize the fundraiser.