Lucky to be alive - footballer suffers horrific injury at Falmouth
12:00pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in News
Lucky to be alive - footballer suffers horrific injury at Falmouth
Talented footballer Rob Wearne was left fighting for his life on his 19th birthday after an horrific clash of heads left him with a fractured skull during a Falmouth Town match on Saturday.
Shocked spectators looked on as Rob was treated for 30 minutes on the pitch before being taken to Truro’s Royal Cornwall Hospital by ambulance.
Medics placed him into an induced coma to prevent movement after his fractured skull caused swelling on the brain.
He remained in that sedated state for 48 hours after being transferred to Derriford Hospital at Plymouth for specialist treatment, and was due to undergo an operation yesterday.
Doctors have now said they are hopeful Rob will make a full recovery.
The incident was described as the worst he had seen on a football field by Falmouth Town manager Alan Carey .
Steve Wearne, Rob’s father, said: “I was at the game on Saturday. It was horrific for everyone there. No-one wants to see their son in that situation on a football pitch.
“The news from the hospital is good. Rob was brought out of the induced coma on Monday and within five minutes he was coming round and trying to pull at the tube in his mouth, which the doctors say is a very good sign, and they say they are expecting a full recovery. He is a lucky boy.
“They have said there is no sign of brain damage at the moment. The main danger now is he may have a fit when he comes round after the operation, but we just have to wait and see.
“We are so grateful for the support we have received. Everyone has been fantastic.”
Saturday’s game between Falmouth Town and Elburton Villa was abandoned after players were left too shaken up to continue playing.
Mr Carey said: “It was just a case of two players going for the ball and colliding in the air. I don’t think there was any malice in it. It was just one of those things. Unfortunately, it has turned out to be a very nasty injury.
“He (Rob) is a terrific lad and he has been working hard for us. He has just been getting better and better as the season has gone on.
“The incident happened on his 19th birthday as well. It is just something you wouldn’t like to see happen to anyone.
“As a squad we are planning to go up and see him on Saturday as we are not playing a game. I think football is something that takes a back seat when it comes to things like this.
“It was a really nasty experience and it upset players on both sides. It is a good job we are not playing this Saturday, or that we are not playing in midweek, as I think, mentally, we would have struggled.
“It is the worst incident I have seen in my managerial career. I have seen broken legs and ankles, but when a young lad gets injured like that it is a very nasty injury and it’s not nice.”
Director of football at Falmouth Town, Steve Kimberley , told the Packet: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob now, and we hope he will make a full recovery and would love to see him back here at Falmouth Town.
“The support we have seen since it happened has been unbelievable. I have had calls from clubs all over the country. It is overwhelming.
“When things like this happen, it is the support you receive that helps you get through it.”
Rob spent two years as an apprentice with Torquay United before joining Falmouth Town this summer.
Manager Martin Ling, said: “We were all very sad to hear about Rob’s injury on Saturday and the thoughts of everyone at Plainmoor are with Rob and his family.”
Head of youth at Plainmoor, Geoff Harrop, echoed those sentiments: “Rob is a great kid and we are all shocked by this incident. His former team-mates in the academy are all very concerned and we just want to wish him a speedy recovery.
“Get well soon Rob.”
