Forward suffered serious injury earlier this year and ‘came very close to dying’

Wingate & Finchley FC have rallied around player Billy Healey after the 25-year-old suffered horrific injuries following a freak accident on the pitch earier this year.

The Blues have set up a Just Giving crowdfunding page after the Finchley resident had what seemed to be an unfortunate collision with the AFC Dunstable goalkeeper while on loan at Hanwell Town on March 19

Initially it was believed to have been a seemingly routine bump, but it has gone on to have dramatic consequences for the PE teacher from Finchley.

Healey spent three and a half weeks in intensive care fighting the life-threatening sepsis, after initially undergoing surgery on a ruptured bowel and torn kidney.

At the time, in a state of semi-consciousness he was fortunately able to tell the doctors he was allergic to penicillin.

He began to feel unwell soon after the initial surgery though and it turned out that he had an infected gut and a second tear in his bowel, which had been missed during his first surgery.

“It was touch and go for some time – the doctors told me I came very close to dying,” said Healey. “I knew that I was really unwell. The injury and recovery have been debilitating, but I feel like I’m on the mend now.

“The district nurse has given me the all clear so now it’s just a case of taking it easy while I recover.”

Healey has been unable to return to work since the accident, and the club have come to his aid with the Just Giving page having, which at the time of writing has raised £950 of its initial £1,000 target.

The help hasn’t ended there though, as the club will be hosting a charity match against Hanwell Town on July 29, with all proceeds supporting Healey financially with the hope he can return to the football pitch.

Healey added: “I’m really grateful to the club for helping me out while I’ve been unwell. It’s been a tough couple of months but it’s great to have the support of the lads behind me.”

To support the appeal, please visit:https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/billyhealey.