GIANTS’ star Eorl Crabtree has backed a fundraising drive for a policeman struck down by a stroke.

A sportsman’s dinner and auction for the Richard Ford Trust will be held tomorrow at the John Smith’s Stadium.

It has been inspired by Richard Ford, 42, who is fighting his way back to health exactly a year after being left paralysed and ‘locked in’ by a brain stem stroke.

A mass of sporting memorabilia will be auctioned at the dinner.

One of the items is an action portrait of Giants’ prop Eorl painted by artist Eddie North, of Sporting Originals.

Eorl’s dad Jerry worked with Holmbridge dad-of-three Richard at Huddersfield Police Station. Jerry recently retired from the force.

Another of Richard’s colleagues, Billy Goldsborough, who has helped organise the event, said the artwork was unique.

“We took it to Eorl to get it signed and he was very impressed,” said Billy. “It would look stunning on anyone’s wall.”

The picture, painted on black canvas, took two weeks to complete.

A picture like that would usually sell for £1,500 and Billy hopes it will prove a moneyspinner at the sell-out dinner.

To place a bid before the auction e-mail Billy at billygoldsborough@googlemail.com