Fundraiser to get Luke Orton home

As many are aware Luke suffered a serious injury whilst playing beach rugby at the South Island Sevens 2023.

Luke was playing for Ryde Rhinos beach rugby team (Instagram), back in July as part of the beach rugby tournament at South Island Sevens.

Luke’s teammate and Wight Rhinos Skipper, Michael Cooper, set up a crowdfunding page for Luke Orton which at the time of this latest news update, has raised £13,637 (as at Sun 12 November 2023),

Luke is also a player for Sandown and Shanklin RFC

On Saturday 22nd July Luke was playing in a beach rugby tournament and went in for tackle like any rugby player would. Unfortunately something went horribly wrong.
He has broken his neck (C5 vertebrae) which has pressed onto his spinal cord and left him currently unable to feel anything chest down.
A truly scarey situation for anyone to be in.
Like anyone Luke is just a normal guy with bills to pay, a family and friends worried sick about him and what the future holds.
We are looking to raise some money to help cover travel costs, time of work and anything else the family may need during this terrible time.
The page will be updated as and when there is more information on Lukes recovery and any money raised but not required to help will then be donated to a rugby injury charity or one to support others in similar situations.
Luke himself is just a larger then life character and the news has left everyone who knew him shocked and so worried. But we all know he is a fighter and won’t quit, so will do everything he can to be back to normal once able.
Michael Cooper, Skipper, Ryde Rhinos

A new appeal has been launched to get Luke home has been setup by Luke’s family:

‘Weʼre raising £20,000 for adaptations needed to get Luke home after a rugby accident left him paralysed and without the use of his hands.’
Luke suffered a serious life-changing injury on 22nd July 2023, while taking part in a beach rugby tournament on the Isle of Wight. He suffered a broken neck, also suffering spinal cord damage, including a bleed, leaving him paralysed from the chest down and without use of his hands. Luke has been hospitalised since the accident happened.
Sadly, Luke will be coming home in a wheelchair, with little chance of walking again. It has been a really tough time for Luke, spending 6 weeks in Southampton ICU spinal unit before being transferred to Salisbury District Hospital, Spinal Treatment Centre, where he is undergoing rehab. He works hard and has a positive attitude but it is long road ahead.
Luke is looking forward to coming home next year and for this to happen, we need to raise funds for adaptations for the areas in the home, which are not covered by the local authority. All the money raised here will go entirely towards the adaptations for Luke’s needs. We would really appreciate any contributions, whatever the amount.
We would also welcome any offer of labour with the work, whatever time you could spare and the possible supply of any materials, either from small local businesses or local suppliers – please send a message via this page.
Thank you everyone – Luke and family.

If you wish to donate to the appeal please go to ‘Weʼre raising £20,000 for adaptations needed to get Luke home after a rugby accident left him paralysed and without the use of his hands‘.