My name is Spencer Wadsworth. I’m 18 years old, studying in my first year at Keele University. I joined the Keele rugby team as soon as I came to the University only playing 3 full games before my accident. On the 25th of October 2023 while playing an away game I was unfortunately injured in a tackle which has changed my life forever.

I admittedly don’t remember much of the accident, however I remember asking where my arm was. After being taken to hospital I was sent for multiple scans and tests before being moved to a resuscitation ward for intensive monitoring overnight. The doctors couldn’t figure out what had happened and resultantly I spent 2 weeks in hospital learning to manage the severe pain I was experiencing before I got the opportunity to meet with a brachial plexus expert in London.

After meeting him I was rushed to hospital for immediate surgery. During the exploratory surgery it was found that I had damaged all 3 trunks of my brachial plexus with avulsions in 3 of the 5 nerves from my spine. It was then explained to me after the surgery that my arm was paralysed and would likely have to be amputated.

Due to the loss of my dominant hand my life has now been irreversibly transformed. I am now hoping to raise money to help my family and I adjust to my new level of ability. I also wish to raise money to help support others whom are also suffering with peripheral nerve injuries as a result of playing the sports that they loved.

I thank you all for taking the time to listen to my story and any contribution no matter how small will go a long way to helping me on my jouney to a new normality.

Many thanks and kindest regards,

Spencer.