Havant & Waterlooville player suffers 'biggest setback' with horror injury as community rallies
A Havant and Waterlooville player suffered the “biggest setback” when she suffered a serious knee injury.
Hawks defender Jess Key suffered the horror injury while competing in the Women’s FA Cup on September 21. Jess has now already missed four months of the season following the injury and has been told the NHS waiting list could be up to a year.
The news has been "incredibly difficult” to take, especially after she was initially told it was only a minor knee injury. Jess was then subsequently told she had ruptured her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), along with an MCL (medial collateral ligament) sprain and a meniscus tear.
Jess is now hoping to fund a private operation for reconstructive surgery in order to get back out on the pitch as soon as possible. So far nearly £2,000 has been raised of the £8,000 target.
Writing on GoFundMe, Jess said for two months after the injury she carried on “as normal and even returned to training”. However, at the end of November she felt discomfort again and went for an MRI scan “to get some clear answers”.
She said: “Unfortunately, the results weren’t what I hoped for. I’ve completely ruptured my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), along with an MCL sprain and a meniscus tear. This has been the biggest setback and has been incredibly difficult both physically and mentally.
“As it’s already been four months since the injury and the NHS waiting list for surgery could be up to a year, I’m hoping to go private so I can start my recovery as soon as possible. Being unable to play the sport I love has had a huge impact on my personal life, and all I want is the chance to get back doing what I love.
“I know times are tough for everyone, but any support at all is appreciated. Whether that’s a donation or simply sharing this page it would mean the world to me and help me take the first step towards recovery.”
Manager Steve Marsh, speaking at the start of the season, said: “Jess is another important member of the squad and I’m delighted she’s staying. She plays a big role for us on and off the pitch and we all look forward to seeing her back with us for the new campaign.”
To donate go to: www.gofundme.com/f/yzxmte-acl-reconstruction-surgery