TEAM-MATES of a seriously injured young rugby player have raised thousands for the charity which saved his life.
Callum Parkinson, 13, was nearly killed when he was hit by a car outside his home on Station Road in Fenay Bridge.
The Newsome Panthers player was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance after the crash on June 9.
And yesterday the club raised £2,000 for the Ambulance with a harvest auction at The Fountain in Newsome, where the Panthers have their base.
Callum, who is still recovering from the horrific crash, attended the event with his parents Christine and Andrew and his sister Chloe, 12.
Christine was delighted with the amount raised. She said: “I’d like to thank everyone who helped, including all the local businesses who kindly donated.
“Callum really enjoyed the day but he’s tired now.”
Christine and Andrew were twice told that Callum was on the brink of death following the accident. But the plucky teenager is now making an incredible recovery at the brain injuries ward of Leeds General Infirmary.
Christine said: “He’s doing really well, he speaks in a low whisper and he can understand simple things.
“There’s a long way to go but he’s made such a progression.”
Callum was involved in the accidental collision as he returned from training with the Panthers. Anthony Sipka, a paramedic who lives on Station Road, carried out crucial first aid as Callum started fitting as he lay in the road.
Realising how serious Callum’s injuries were, he called the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to take him to Leeds.
Surgeons removed half his skull to ease the swelling on the brain. Callum had to have a tube inserted into his stomach so that he could be fed and titanium plates put in his head.
The accident cut short a promising rugby career for the pupil of King James’ School in Almondbury, whose brother Joe, 18, is an academy player at the Huddersfield Giants.
Christine said: “One of Callum’s aims in life was to play for the Giants like his brother.”
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s rescue of Callum is due to be featured on BBC One’s Helicopter Heroes programme later this month.
