Fund set up to support injured ex-rugby player
A FUNDRAISING page set up for a former rugby player who was found with “life-changing” injuries will provide “strong support”, his family has said.
The crowdfunding page is raising money for ex-Wales Dragonhearts full-back Scott Bessant who was discovered with serious injuries in a lane by a passer-by on Sunday, August 13, after leaving the Little Crown pub in Wainfelin in Pontypool.
The Go Fund Me page, which was set up by family friends and aims to raise money to support Mr Bessant and his family, has raised more than £1,000.
It is not known how the 34-year-old father of two sustained his injuries, and his family and Gwent Police have appealed to the public for information.
A £3,000 reward has been offered for any detail which could help police with the investigation.
Speaking about the fundraising, Mr Bessant’s brother-in-law Neil Chere, 47, said the money would provide muchneeded support for Mr Bessant’s family who are visiting him daily at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
“We know that it’s going to give some strong support to the family or for Scott’s rehabilitation when he does get better,” he said.
“At the moment we are very uncertain about what is going to happen.”
Mr Bessant was found lying next to a bridge in Pentwyn Lane, Abersychan, at about 5.15am on Sunday, August 13. He was last seen in the Little Crown pub in Wainfelin at about 1am.
CCTV images show Mr Bessant enjoying himself before leaving with a friend at the end of the night.
Mr Chere said the family have received positive support from friends and the wider community.
“He is such a loved person and every morning me and my wife wake up to 200 Facebook messages with support and offers asking what they can do to help,” he said.
“He’s a doting dad with two lovely kids and at the moment we are just looking for answers.”
Mr Bessant has previously played for the Newport Titans and Torfaen Tigers and was capped by the Wales Dragonhearts.
He was once in contention for a place in the Celtic Crusaders squad but was only thwarted due to illness at the time, but went on to coach the Titans and has more recently been on the Tigers coaching staff.
Gwent Police has asked anyone with information to call them on 101 quoting log number 136 of August 13 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Donations can be made at gofundme. com/4cmt1nk