Over £5000 has been raised for popular Woking midfielder Damon Lathrope, who has been forced to retire after suffering a broken leg.
A GoFundMe online campaign was set up on Sunday and donations have poured in from players and supporters around the country – https://www.gofundme.com/damonlathrope
Despite only signing for Woking at the end of January from Torquay United, Lathrope quickly made a big impression at the club, becoming a popular figure amongst his teammates and supporters.
Lathrope made an impressive home debut last month in Woking's win over Chester, being named in The NLP's Team of the Day.
Sadly, against Boreham Wood ten days ago, the 28-year-old broke his leg in what was purely an accident.
After various surgeries, Lathrope has been left with life changing damage to a number of major arteries and veins and will not be able to play football again.
The midfielder said: “The overriding factor for me was I was lucky enough to be under the care of Mr Tahir Ali who has enabled the opportunity for me to carry my daughters, when there was a time that I may not have been able to walk again. This is the most important thing to me! I don't want people to feel sorry for me but be thankful that I have both legs to walk on.”
“I'm extremely proud of my professional football career and wouldn't have changed or done anything different. I have made my family extremely proud and this makes me very happy.
“I have no regrets but the facts are that this injury will overall end my playing career, I will continue to move forward to the future and have a career in another area of football, off the field, maybe helping to develop players. I know I have a lot to offer to the game in other ways than me physically being on the pitch.
“I'm really disappointed that I didn't get to fulfil what I had planned at Woking as a player. It's such a good set up and the plan looked great. I'm going to bring/offer as much to the club in any aspect that I can.
“I understand it's going to be a long journey ahead for me to get back on my feet, but just to have this opportunity is enough for me.
“My family and I can't thank the club enough for all of their support since the accident.”
Woking are organising a bucket collection at their home game on Saturday against Halifax before Torquay will be doing the same when they host the Cards next month.
I wish you all the best in your recovery! Thinking of you and your family Damo! pic.twitter.com/Qs7cubCFLG
— Josh Staunton (@JoshStaunton55) March 3, 2018
