Crash victim thanks charity for help in 'darkest days'

A man who sustained catastrophic injuries in a car crash has thanked a charity for supporting his family during their "darkest days".

Oliver Stevens, 23, suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs and was left paralysed down one side of his body when the car he was a passenger in collided with a lorry in North Yorkshire.

Mr Stevens, who was 21 at the time of the crash in 2022, spent months in hospital during which he and his family were helped by West Yorkshire-based charity Day One Trauma Support.

Ahead of Sunday's 1895 cup match between Keighley Cougars and Bradford Bulls his family are holding a bucket collection in support of the charity.

Mr Stevens, from Barnoldswick, Lancashire, feared he may never see, walk or talk again following the crash and still needs regular physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support.

“It’s been a really hard 18 months and I still have a long recovery journey ahead of me," he said

"Day One supported my family in our darkest days and continue to be there for us.

"They helped my mum with initial financial support so she could be by my side when I needed her the most."

Since the crash Mr Stevens and his family have been fundraising for Day One, including completing a 180,000-step walking challenge over 30 days.

His grandparents Hazel Stevens and Maz Reape, both life-long Keighley Cougars fans, will continue the family's efforts with the collection at Cougar Park.

Hayley Ibbotson, senior fundraiser for Day One Trauma Support, said: “Oliver’s story of recovery is truly inspiring and we’re delighted the rugby league community is getting behind him by supporting Day One.

"We’re so grateful to everyone at Keighley Cougars for their amazing support, which will help us ensure no one is left to rebuild their life on their own following catastrophic injury.”

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].