Paralysed rugby player goes home

Sue Davies said she was determined to have her husband home

A man who broke his neck while playing his final game of rugby has returned home after 18 months in hospital.

An appeal involving rugby clubs across Wales raised £200,000 for alterations to allow Bryan Davies, 50, to live back with his family in Bala, Gwynedd.

He called going home to his wife and two children a shock, but "Welsh fresh air" was already making a difference.

Mr Davies, known as Yogi, was playing his final game for Bala when the accident happened.

The fund-raising has ranged from events at rugby clubs across Wales, to £10,000 from his former employers, Ifor Williams Trailers in Gwynedd.

Thank you seems so small, considering the things people have done for us Sue Davies, Brian Davies's wife

"I'd like to thank everybody who contributed to the fund, without them I'd never be able to come home," Mr Davies said.

"The Welsh fresh air makes a big difference.

"It was a bit of a shock to come home, but hopefully now I can look forward to the future and get on with my life."

Mr Davies' wife Sue said his homecoming had been "like all my Christmases had come together".

Despite the "rollercoaster" over the past 18 months she said she was a "very determined person" and had promised to get her husband back to Bala.

She said her husband had told her when he was first injured, and in intensive care, that she had permission to put him in a home.

The Davies' home has been adapted for wheelchair use.

"Basically I said if you even say that again the broken neck will be the least of your worries."

Describing the moment her husband arrived home she added: "People kept asking me how I felt, and I didn't know how I felt.

"Then I saw the van (bringing him home) turning from the main road and my heart went into a tizz."

The money raised has been used to adapt the house with a new extension, special lift and equipment, and accommodation for the carers Mr Davies needs 24 hours a day.

"It has also widened doorways for access to the rest of the house, so it is still a family home," said Mrs Davies.

Of those who contributed she added: "I am so grateful to everyone.

"Thank you seems so small, considering the things people have done for us."

Rhodri Jones, the treasurer of Bala Rugby Club, and member of the appeal committee said the support both locally and nationally throughout Wales had been "phenomenal".

"The money raised has surprised us and far exceeded what we expected," he added.