The family of a promising young Norfolk footballer who broke his neck in a cycling accident say he is being helped through it by an outpouring of support from the community. Visit www.kurtsworld.org to leave messages of support
The family of a promising young Norfolk footballer who broke his neck in a cycling accident say he is being helped through it by an outpouring of support from the community.
Diss Town under-18 footballer Kurt Hood, 17, of Sycamore Way in Diss suffered one broken and two damaged vertebrae in his neck after going over the handle bars of his bike coming back to Diss from Wortham Ling.
The accident has left the talented teenager bed bound and needing a ventilator to help him breathe in Northern General Hospital Spinal Injuries Unit in Sheffield.
His dad Tony and family have been travelling to be at his bedside most days and they now face an agonising wait to find out whether he will suffer any permanent injuries until he comes out of traction on October 7.
Kurt had been due to have football trials for the Norfolk county squad shortly after the accident last month and was about to begin a construction course at Norwich City College.
Since his accident he has been inundated with more than 80 messages of support through cards and the internet, which his step mum Rachel Nobbs said are helping him cope.
“It is the worst period at the moment because we just do not know how it is going to affect him,” she said.
“The nurse told us it can take anywhere between six weeks and two years for people who have suffered such injuries to get their feeling back. He has his lows which is only natural but we are there to help him keep looking forward and not look back.
“It is the messages of support though that are putting a smile on his face, which is very important.”
Kurt was transferred to Sheffield from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Ms Nobbs praised the care at Sheffield, which she said was one of the best units for treating spinal injuries in Europe.
He can only communicate by mouthing words and is occupying himself in hospital by playing games with his family, watching DVDs and listening to his MP3 player.
A fundraiser will be held for Kurt in Dickleburgh Village Hall on November 3 from 10am.
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