Player Portal Blog

Tony Atherton and the RL Benevolent Fund

Written by Steve Ball | Aug 14, 2024 9:03:23 AM

Tony Atherton suffered life-changing injuries after being kicked in the head playing for St Helens A team against Leigh in March 1974.

 

His injury was so serious that a priest was called to his hospital bedside to read him the last rites on two occasions.

 

 

Tony pulled through but his life would never be the same: the impact of the brain trauma left him with mobility issues, epilepsy and blindness.

 

At the time of his injury, Tony received just £3,000 in compensation, much of it raised by donations from local people.

 

Since hearing of Tony's situation, the RL Benevolent Fund has stepped in to provide help and support to Tony and his wife Margaret and welcomed them into the Benevolent Fund family. That support will remain in place throughout Tony's life.

 

In this short film, Tony chats about his injury, its effect on his health and the difference the RL Benevolent Fund has made to his life.

 

If you value the work of the RL Benevolent Fund, please consider making a donation to a charity which does so much good via the dedicated Justgiving link

 

 

 

Quote

 

"Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give"

 

- Ben Carson