Campaign to help Yorkshire dad of two left with 15 fractured bones in face after horrific cricket incident

A fundraising campaign has been set up after a Yorkshire man was smashed in the face with a cricket ball and left with 15 fractured bones in his face.

While netting indoor with Lightcliffe Cricket Club, Alex Tait suffered a horrific injury resulting in over 15 fractured bones in his face, including fractures to both eye sockets, his skull, nose, cheekbones and forehead.

The family's Justgiving page said: "Alex was bowling and the cricket ball hit back at him very hard. He unfortunately did not see the ball coming back as it hit him between the eyes. He was taken straight to hospital and admitted for most of the week.

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"10 days later and Alex has been informed by Consultants at hospital that he must now endure a number of operations to try and resolve the problems.

"This will involve an operation to cut from ear to ear, roll back the facial skin and insert metal plates behind the forehead. Further operations on his eyes and nose may then follow and it may be necessary for him to see a neuro specialist about damage to his brain/eyes depending on how the initial operation goes.

"Irrespective of the incredible pain Alex is suffering, and the obvious current limitations on his life, he has been told he will not be able to work again for months to come. He is a family man with a young son and a baby due in just four months time.

"Having only recently started a new job he is not entitled to any sick pay other than SSP. This has left Alex in a nightmare position financially. He needs to now focus his attention on recovering from this horrific ordeal which may last for months and even longer to come. He does not need the added stress and worry of providing financially for his young family.

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"Alex has played at Lightcliffe CC all his life and is a model Club man. The Cricket Family is renowned for coming together to support each other and Alex is hopeful cricketers around the country will assist his current position and donate a small amount to allow him to continue living whilst he endures the coming months.

"This could have happened to any cricketer any level. Alex appreciates any support you can provide."

The family of the man, from Halifax, have already smashed their target of raising £10,000 - with £14,000 raised so far.

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