People in Alton are rallying round a football-loving tree surgeon following a shocking knee injury.

Regan Hitch - known as Reggie to his friends - was not even part of the action when the accident happened during a football training session on the evening of November 13.

A team-mate lost his balance and collided with Regan at full speed, tearing three of the four ligaments in his right knee.

Regan, 28, lives in Alton and plays Sunday league football for Alton Phoenix, who come under the umbrella of Alton FC.

Friend and fellow Phoenix player Oliver Dickson has started a GoFundMe fundraising campaign, Help Reggie Rebuild His Life, to help Regan with physiotherapy and living costs during his recovery.

It has already generated £1,830 from 57 donations, but Oliver’s target is to raise £12,500.

Speaking to his team-mates on Monday about the campaign, Regan said: “Bottom of my heart I can’t thank you all enough.

“Hopefully I can repay you all in assists and goals in the not-too-distant future. If not I’ll pass on my abundance of knowledge and help you all to the next step.”

Oliver said Alton FC had been “a huge source of support” but added that the trauma of the event will last considerably longer than the split-second in which it happened.

He said: “The pain was immediate and excruciating, but the emotional toll has been even harder.

“For someone who has lived and breathed football his entire life, hearing doctors say ‘You may never play again,’ was utterly devastating.

“But this injury is about more than just football. Reggie is one of the good ones. A loyal friend. A fierce team-mate. A hard-working tree surgeon who shows up for everyone else.

“Football has been a cornerstone of his life for more than 20 years. He’s shared unforgettable memories on the pitch, from winning cups to playing alongside his brother and lifelong friends.

“For Reggie football isn’t just a sport, it’s a part of his identity. It’s where he’s built relationships, faced challenges head-on and found joy. But now he’s had that taken away.”

The long road back has begun for Regan, with surgeons repairing one ligament with tendons from his hamstring, but more surgery will be needed in the months to come.

His recovery will take at least one to two years and will involve gruelling rehabilitation costing £45 per session, learning to walk properly again before even thinking about running.

And tree surgery work is currently out of the question for Regan, leaving him without income for at least six months.

Oliver said: “Can you imagine how overwhelming that must feel? To lose your passion, your livelihood and your sense of stability all at once?

“Reggie didn’t ask for this. He’s the kind of person who handles things on his own and rarely shows when he’s struggling. But right now he needs us.”

Oliver explained that the donations received through the GoFundMe campaign will help Reggie in three ways - to get the best weekly physiotherapy to rebuild his strength and mobility, to cover his mortgage, bills and other living costs, and to give him emotional support.

He said: “Knowing his community has his back will give Reggie the hope and strength he needs to face this uphill battle.

“Reggie has already received incredible messages of support from his team-mates, friends and family. ‘Rest up, brother,’ they’ve said. ‘We’ve got you.’

“These words mean the world to him, but we want to go one step further. This GoFundMe isn’t just about money, it’s about showing Reggie that he’s not alone in this fight.

“Every donation, every share, every message of encouragement is a reminder that his community cares deeply about him and is here to help him through this.

“This is our chance to give back. Reggie has always been the kind of person to show up for others. Now it’s our turn to show up for him.”

Oliver reiterated that the campaign was not just about covering costs.

He said: “It’s about giving Reggie hope for the future. Hope that he can focus on his recovery without the constant worry of how he’ll pay his bills. Hope that one day he’ll be able to lace up his boots again, even if it’s just for a kickabout with friends.

“We know times are tough for everyone but every little bit helps. Whether it’s a donation, sharing this page or leaving Reggie a message, you’re making a difference. Together we can help Reggie rebuild his life one step at a time. Let’s show Reggie the power of community.”

Regan said: “Going from an active lifestyle to not being able to move is really difficult, but then to add to that the pain I’m in just makes it catastrophic.

“But genuinely, with all the support and messages coming in it’s making the journey a lot easier and taking my mind off what my current situation is.”

Visit https://tinyurl.com/2knxscm8 to make a donation.