WEST Ham United invites you to take part in a charity auction
and raffle to help raise money for the treatment of 11-year-old Joe
Osben, a former Academy player who suffered serious injuries when
he was knocked down by a car near his home in June this year.
Joe suffered massive head injuries and spent six weeks in a coma at
Kings College Hospital. He also sustained a serious leg injury, a
fractured shoulder and a broken collar- bone. But since the
accident Joe has astounded doctors by making incredible progress.
Recently, helped by his dad Steve, Joe walked for the first time
since the accident, confounding medical opinion that he would never
walk again. Proud Steve,40, cannot believe his son's
determination to succeed.
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"Last weekend he took four steps," exclaimed Steve,
"his first since the accident happened. Originally, doctors
said that he would be completely paralysed down his left side and
would not walk again. Now he has regained limited movement of his
left leg and arm, and everyone is quietly confident that he might
walk again.
"Joe is a really determined boy, he never gives up at
anything. He said to me last week that we wanted to walk, and with
a little support from me, he did it. The progress he has made has
been tremendous.
"After being in a coma for six weeks, he has made a great
mental recovery. His mind is sharp, he remembers everyone that
visits him and he's already keeping up with what's
happening at West Ham. He has regained his speech and is even
taking private tuition in Maths and English!"
Steve admits that his son, who is currently recovering at the
Chailey Heritage Rehabilitation Clinic in Sussex, has benefited in
his recovery from the extensive physical training he received as an
Academy player at West Ham United.
"The doctors said that they had never treated such a fit
11-year-old," said Steve, "and the West Ham Academy must
take credit for the great condition Joe was in before the accident.
His physical fitness has definitely contributed to his quick
recovery.
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"The doctors are really happy with him. Recently, he has been
allowed to spend every other weekend at home, which is a marvellous
step forward. He just loves coming home, and it's fantastic
that he is able to only a few months after coming out of a
coma.
"Now we're really looking forward to having Joe home
full-time. The doctors say that it will be another six months, but
the way he is going we're all secretly hoping that it will be
quicker. There is still a long way to go, and a lot of hard work
ahead for Joe, but he's really determined to recover and lead a
normal life."
Steve is now working hard to promote awareness of the importance
for children to wear helmets at all times while cycling.
"If Joe had been wearing a helmet there is an 85 per cent
chance he wouldn't have suffered any serious head
injuries," explained Steve. "The injuries he sustained to
his head were by far the worst, and we can not emphasise the
importance of wearing helmets enough. Quite simply, it could save
your life, or the life of someone you love."
The auction will run for the next 28 days. Check it out and you can
bid for one of these fantastic prizes:
1. FLIGHT AND VIP WEEKEND WITH THE TEAM FOR THE SUNDERLAND MATCH!
2. SPEND A DAY AT THE CLUB'S CHADWELL HEATH TRAINING GROUND AND JOIN THE HAMMERS TEAM FOR LUNCH!
3. AN EXECUTIVE BOX FOR 10 PEOPLE FOR THE MATCH AGAINST DERBY COUNTY AT UPTON PARK ON JANUARY 22 2005!
4. BE A MASCOT FOR THE DAY AT THE HAMMERS FA CUP 3RD ROUND TIE!
The auction prizes will be presented at the home match against Leeds United on Friday 10th December, kick-off: 7.45pm.
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CHARITY RAFFLE
LOOK out for the Charity Raffle, which will be held at half-time during the Leeds United game. All the proceeds will go towards the hospital wards involved in Joe's treatment and also to help promote awareness of the campaign for children to wear helmets when cycling. There are four fantastic prizes on offer:
TWO PERSONS TO STAY FOR TWO NIGHTS AT THE NUTFIELD
PRIORY IN SURREY
Including: accommodation, full English Breakfast and a Three Course
Meal from their Table D'Hote Menu served in their Award Winning
Restaurant accompanied by a bottle of House Wine
plus full use of the Health and Leisure Club
**
ALBA TVD3450 14" TV WITH BUILT-IN DVD
**
FRAMED & SIGNED WEST HAM UNITED SHIRT
Presented by a member of the first-team squad
**
STEVEN GERRARD FRAMED AND SIGNED ENGLAND SHIRT
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