Footballing tree surgeon Regan Hitch has undergone a second operation to repair his right knee after a freak accident in November.

Regan - known as Reggie to his friends - was training with Alton Phoenix, the Sunday league side of Alton FC, when another player collided with him off the ball.

He tore three of the four ligaments in his knee. One was repaired immediately, and the other two on March 20.

Team-mate Olly Dickson started a GoFundMe page, Help Reggie Rebuild His Life, which has so far raised £5,525.

This money, and funds from a race night and auction in January, is going towards the cost of Reggie’s rehabilitation sessions and his living expenses.

Messages of support for Regan Hitch after his first knee operation

Olly said: ”The accident stripped away Reggie’s independence overnight. Since then every single day has been a battle, mentally, physically and emotionally.

“He’s had to fight through pain most of us will never understand, breaking through barriers he never thought he’d face, just to get a piece of normality back. Now he’s been forced to start all over again.

“On Thursday Reggie underwent another major surgery to repair the remaining two ligaments. Once again he’s back to square one. No walking, no fresh air, no independence. The struggle starts over and this next chapter will be even harder than the last.”

After the operation, Reggie said: “The pain is next level but I’m through it. Just got that long road to tackle now.”

The following day, he added: “I’ve been down for X-rays this morning and just seen the physio. Been up on crutches, no weight-bearing at all, practised getting on and off the loo etcetera, so despite the unbearable pain, I’m all good.

“I’m as well as I can be. The surgery went the best it could, so it’s just a case of gritting the teeth for the first month or so then focusing on the road to recovery.”

Looking to the future, Reggie told Olly: “Thank you again so much for everything you’ve done for me and let’s get back to those garden centre breakfasts!”

Olly continued: “If these last four months have shown anything, it’s that Reggie is a fighter. And he’s not in this fight alone.

“The love and support he’s received has been unbelievable. Every message, every donation, every bit of encouragement has carried him through the darkest moments. And now, as he faces the toughest challenge yet, that support means more than ever.

“If you can share, donate or even just send a message, it all counts. Let’s remind Reggie that no matter how hard this gets, he’s not facing it alone.”

Despite the loss of Reggie, Alton Phoenix have won Division 7 of the Aldershot & Camberley Sunday Football League. They play Rushmoor Sunday Reserves in the Division 7 Cup final at Farnborough Town FC on April 6 at 2pm.

Olly said Reggie was all the inspiration they needed: “In two weeks’ time, we fight for Reggie. That cup final is for him.”