A LIFE long Wolves fan is going to a game for the first time since being paralysed by a spinal tumour after an appeal in the Warrington Guardian.
Reg Hazell, aged 53, will be a guest at Saturday’s Super League play-off clash against Leeds Rhinos at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Friend Glenis Naylor has raised more than £400 to fund the trip after Warrington Guardian readers responded to donate money following our appeal last month.
Reg, who lives in Weld Road, a residential home for spinal patients in Southport, said: “I just can’t thank Glenis enough for what she has done.
“I never expected this and I’m over the moon.
“I was really excited when I heard I was going to a game again and now I’m just looking forward to Saturday, being back in the stadium, and the atmosphere.”
Reg will make the 60 mile round trip with support from the Spinal Unit Action Group, which is providing transport.
Glenis, aged 63, of York Drive, Grappenhall, cycled 1000 miles to raise money for the charity.
She saved her final journey to ride from Wolve’s home ground to Southport.
“I cycled a few miles around the area to bring my total up to 999 miles just as I reached Weld Road,” she said.
“I am very pleased with the funds raised and would like to thank everyone who sponsored me.”
Margaret Cheetham, manager of Welford Road and SUAG, said: “This will be going back home for Reg, and back to some sort of normality for him.”
The SUAG bus will be driven by Ian, Reg’s son, with both watching the match as guests of the Wolves Foundation.
They will sit in the north stand with a visit from a Wolves player also being organised.
Reg, a father-of-three, has been paralysed since December 2010 when an abscess exploded, severing his spine.
He was formerly a window cleaner in the town for 40 years and lived on Rowland Close in Fearnhead.
Previously a Wolves season ticket holder for 45 years, Reg is now hoping for Grand Final glory.
“I think we will win by a 10 point margin but I’d have rather played Wigan,” he said.
“I don’t see any reason why Warrington can’t go all the way this year.”
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