A RUGBY league club is backing a charity which helped a young man from Barnoldswick severely injured in a horrific car crash.

Oliver Stevens suffered a brain injury in the smash, which happened at West Marton, in July, 2022, and it was feared he may never see, walk or talk again.

Oliver, who was 21 at the time, sustained several fractures to his skull and paralysis down his left side, broke his ribs and collar bone, and damaged his vision and hearing.

He spent months at the Leeds General Infirmary major trauma centre, where he and his family were given emotional, practical and financial help by charity Day One Trauma Support.

Now they are giving back to the charity, with the help of Keighley Cougars.

Oliver’s grandparents Hazel Stevens and 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 on 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, 75, says: "As a grandparent you never expect anything like this to happen to your own grandchild.

"It was a massive shock to the family and we often felt so helpless as Oliver recovered in hospital.

"Thankfully he had his amazing parents and Day One there for him. 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 on Sunday but who would like to contribute to the collection can do so at justgiving.com/page/vicky-mara-1695553794491