I was twenty six when I had my accident. I was a builder and joiner by trade and playing rugby league was my first love. I had played rugby league for fifteen years and enjoyed great success playing for amateur club West Hull. They had won Premier League titles, a National Cup and numerous local cups.

I captained Yorkshire to a County Championship and possibly would have played for BARLA Great Britain if I hadn’t been injured at the time. My cousins played for rivals Hull Dockers and I decided to play alongside them. In only my third match for Hull Dockers, I took an innocent scoot from acting half back and sustained a very serious injury.

Somehow I must have twisted awkwardly and managed to break my neck in two places, paralysing me from the chest down. I spent eight months in Pinderfields Hospital where I was told I would never walk again. The Benevolent Fund helped me and my family during this difficult period. Three years on and I’m out of my wheelchair and walking with crutches. The RFL Benevolent Fund has assisted me with ongoing rehabilitation and much needed modifications to my house.

I enjoy the social side of the RFL Benevolent Fund and have made many good new friends. The RFL Benevolent Fund has been a great friend to my family and I am looking forward to fundraising for them in the future, as well as raising awareness for the work they do.

Pete.