A rugby player from Wrexham has organised a series of rugby fixtures and tournaments to raise money for a national charity.
Harry Jones, 25, was awarded with a testimonial earlier this year and is the first wheelchair rugby league player to be given this award. The testimonial was awarded to Harry by the Welsh Rugby League alongside his club, the North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League.
Epilepsy Action was Harry’s charity of choice as he was diagnosed with the condition when he was 17 years old. He first started experiencing seizures when he was in his late teens.
Harry said: “To begin with I was having minor jerks which at the time I thought were just muscle spasms due to growth. But everything changed on 26 January 2015 when I had a large seizure up a ladder when I was in college. Luckily I was in a little basket at the top, otherwise, I would’ve fallen 20 metres.
“I underwent lots of testing which I personally found worse than having the seizures. I had to stay awake for 24 consecutive hours - something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. When I was diagnosed, I was told that my seizures could be triggered by flash photography and lack of sleep.”
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Being diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 17 took a huge toll on Harry’s freedom and independence.
He said: “I was stripped of my ability to learn to drive, which only in recent years I have been able to get back. For a period of time, someone needed to accompany me to most places, effectively meaning I needed a carer, and I was forced to change universities out of fear of having a major seizure away from home. In the two years post diagnosis, I was told to avoid fragile eating and drinking tools (e.g. plates and glasses) so I relied on using a lot of plastic.”
“The support of my family and friends has helped me through the many challenges I’ve faced and has helped me to live a ‘normal’ life. Their understanding of what I am and am not able to do has been a blessing when it comes to getting through day-to-day life.”
Harry is the first wheelchair rugby player to be awarded with a testimonial.
“For any rugby player, especially in the rugby league community, a testimonial is a huge honour. It’s a way to be recognised for your years of service to the sport, your club and the wider community,” he said.
“The testimonial in itself is an honour to receive but to be the first wheelchair rugby league player to be awarded one is an even greater achievement. It’s truly a privilege to say that I’m being awarded something that only some of the world’s best players have been given.”
As part of his testimonial, Harry has set up a series of rugby matches to raise money for charity Epilepsy Action.
It kicks off with a game on Saturday, July 15 between the Crusaders and Hereford Harriers. Then follows a game between Crusaders second team and a South Wales Barbarians team made up of players from Torfaen Tigers and Cardiff Blue Dragons.
It concludes with a tournament at Wrexham Rugby Club on Sunday, July 23.
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