A WORCESTER City Women’s player has launched a desperate plea to help her return to the pitch after a serious knee injury which could put her on the sidelines for well over a year and scupper her dreams of becoming a teacher.
Emma Congrave suffered the injury on February 25 against Kidderminster Harriers Women, and a subsequent scan revealed she had ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament.
The forward has been told the injury will take between nine and 12 months to recover from post-surgery and, should she wish to have this operation through the NHS, she would be facing an extremely long waiting list.
Emma, who only joined the club in August, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise the £9,000 which would allow her to have this surgery in the next couple of weeks.
So far, almost £2,200 has been raised through almost 60 donations.
She is also in her final year studying at the University of Worcester and has been accepted as a PGCE student starting in September to complete her teacher training.
Emma said this PGCE course involved a significant amount of time spent on placements in various schools, something she would not be able to complete if she had to wait for surgery through the NHS.
She added: “I’m devastated, I have really been enjoying my first season with Worcester City Women and I am gutted to not be completing it with the girls.
“This is an injury that I have always heard about, but that I never thought would happen to me.
“I feel paying for the surgery privately is my only option.
“The Worcester City fans have always been a real support to us and have asked how they can help.
“I am asking for donations to help fund this surgery to help me continue with my future plans and get me back to doing what I love most.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/emmas-acl-reconstruction-and-rehab? to donate.
