A DEVOTED grandparent has spoken of how her family ‘often felt so helpless’ as her severely-injured grandson was treated in hospital after a horrific car crash.
Oliver Stevens suffered a brain injury in the smash, which happened at West Marton, near Skipton, in July, 2022, and it was feared he may never see, walk or talk again.
He spent months at Leeds General Infirmary major trauma centre, where he and his family were given emotional, practical and financial help by charity Day One Trauma Support.
“It was a massive shock to the family,” said his grandmother Hazel Stevens, 75.
She said: “As a grandparent, you never expect anything like this to happen to your own grandchild.
"We often felt so helpless as Oliver recovered in hospital.
"Thankfully he had his amazing parents and Day One there for him.”
Now the family are giving back to the charity, with the help of Keighley Cougars.
Hazel and fellow grandparent Maz Reape, both lifelong fans of the rugby league club, and a group of volunteers will be collecting donations for the cause at Cougars’ 1895 Cup clash with Bradford Bulls at Cougar Park next Sunday, February 18.
Donation buckets will be available around the ground thanks to the volunteers, from West Craven Warriors ARLFC in Oliver’s hometown of Barnoldswick.
Hazel said: “We wanted to do our own bit to support Oliver and Day One, which is why we asked our favourite rugby team if they could help and we’re delighted they’re allowing us to fundraise during one of their big games against local rivals Bradford Bulls. We hope people will be inspired by Oliver’s story and support this great charity."
Steve Watkinson, chief operating officer at Keighley Cougars, says: "Supporting our community is one of the core values held at Cougars and when we were told of Oliver's story, and the connection with our fantastic volunteers, we had to help raise awareness and funds for the fantastic work undertaken by Day One Trauma Support."
Oliver is now walking and talking, but still needs regular physiotherapy and speech, language and occupational therapy, as well as psychological support.
Day One Trauma Support was founded in West Yorkshire, and helps people across the UK who have suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of incidents such as car crashes, falls from height, stabbings and sporting accidents. For more details, visit dayonetrauma.org Anyone not attending the game next Sunday but who would like to contribute to the collection can do so at justgiving.com/page/vicky-mara-1695553794491
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