Promising teen footballer may never walk again after breaking neck during game

24 January 2024 , 16:30

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A Scottish teenager may never walk again after breaking his neck

A gifted Scottish footballer has sustained a broken neck, leaving medical experts doubtful as to whether he'll ever walk again.

On January 2, Declan McDonald, suffered a nasty fall, rendering him paralysed during a game for North Lanarkshire side AC Rovers. Realising the seriousness of the situation, the athlete was immediately rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he underwent a 10-hour operation.

Tragically, the extent of the damage has left Declan with no feeling from the shoulders down, resulting in medical experts reaching the saddening conclusion that it is 'highly unlikely' that the sportsman will ever walk again.

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The heartbreaking news has caught the attention of clubs across Scotland, with many coming forward to offer their support to the youngster. EKYC 2013 posted: "Thoughts with all the family and everyone connected to Declan. Praying he will pull through and make a full recovery."

Declan McDonald suffered a broken neck

Equally touched by the news, RossvaleBarca07’s added: "Thoughts and Prayers go out to Declan his family, coaches and team mates," While East Kilbride Caledonian Thistle FC also offered their well wishes, writing: "Everyone at East Kilbride Caledonian Thistle FC have Declan in our thoughts and prayers and wish him all the best for recovery. Stay strong young man."

Gartcairn AFC said: "From all at Gartcairn AFC we will keep Declan in our prayers and hope for the best, thoughts go out to his family"

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Declan has tattooed place in the heart of AC Rovers, with his sublime skills and positive attitude. Therefore, his teammates and coaches are understandably devastated. A spokesperson took to social media to release a statement: "As some of you may have heard Declan McDonald of our 2007 age group was badly injured in a fall at our match on Saturday and he was taken in an ambulance to the QEU Hospital. Declan has suffered a broken neck and has no sensation from the shoulders down since the incident."

Declan's friends have started a fundraiser to showcase their support

The spokesperson continued: "This morning he has been through a 10 hour surgery on his neck and now as you will understand it is a waiting game, the current prognosis is Declan is highly unlikely to ever be able to walk again, hopefully with rehab and physio he will regain some feeling / use of his arms and hands.

"We will post more information as it is available but the club asks if you can keep Declan in your thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks and months as he continues his rehabilitation. Thanks to everyone who has reached out so far from all the family, his coaches and his team mates who are rightly shattered by this situation."

Showcasing their love and support for their teammate, the lads at AC Rovers have gone above and beyond, creating a fundraising page, which you can donate to here.

James Sweetnam