Bedford goalkeeper “blown away” by football mates as they stage fundraising match for him Bedford News

When Denham Raptors goalie Ryan Molding lost all sensation in his lower body, his friends decided to rally.

The 25-year-old, from Shortstown, had previously had spine surgery – but was given the green light to continue playing football.

However, the former caregiver has since been told he will stay in a wheelchair long-term after losing sensation in his leg three weeks ago.

And now his soccer mates are rallying and hosting a fundraising match – as well as the creation of a GoFundMe page – to help with the costs Ryan will have to adjust to this new life.

Ryan said: “It’s unexpected. I was blown away by my friends. I will never be able to express my gratitude.”

But as Denham Raptors president and manager Kieran Patrickson put it: “‘Once A Raptor, Always A Raptor’ – that goes for all of our players. Ryan has only played for us for about half a season, but if he was a long-time player, or a new player, I would have expected that anyway. “

The match – at Kempston Rovers on June 20 – is against a team of former pros, which are led by former pro Dean Hooper. Dean is a co-founder of Footballflow UK, which helps people, football clubs and organizations improve the way they support people with mental health issues.