| Dave Roebuck |
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"As the 2 scrums set to go down, Heworths stood up and ours went down. I took the full weight of the pack as I hit the ground with both second rows and loose forward landing on top of me." Dave was then taken to Pinderfields Spinal Injury's Unit in Wakefield where he began many months of rehab until he moved into an specially adapted flat. Dave was severely paralyzed after an incomplete break of the spinal chord at the levels c4 to c5, which unfortunately means he has no finger movement and limited movement in his arms and shoulders, because of this Dave is confined to an electric wheelchair which he controls with wrist movement. Throughout all this Dave manages to live alone with the help of careers and nurses for his everyday needs. Three years ago when the RFL Benevolent Fund was set up, Dave was contacted by Dave Phillips (RFL Benevolent Fund Liason Officer) with offers of help both on a personal and financial level. Before the start of the fund Dave was one of a many number of seriously injured players who were struggling to get by in life and still have an interest in the game he loves. Due to the fund Dave can now look forward to annual trips to Wembley, The Super League Grand Final, and World Club Challenge all in executive boxes. Dave goes on to say, "It's superb to go to high profile games with friends and family and sit in comfort rather than sat in the cold with one friend". Also in the three years of the RFL Benevolent Fund's existence, Dave has not had to worry about saving money to buy some of life's luxuries, he goes on to add: "The fund has provided me with a computer to keep in touch with friend old and new, washing machines, dryer, fridge freezer, televisions, Sky TV and even things to make my garden look nice" Smiling Dave adds: "I would have had to have saved for years to get just one of these things, My life is so much better and I'm happier due to the fund. I have a lot less worry in my life and that is down to donators and the trustees" |
On the 16th October 1982, Dave was a 24 year old hooker who was playing amateur rugby league for Heavy Wollen against Heworth when his accident happened.
