1,000 days since mystery incident devastated rugby player Scott’s life
POPULAR rugby league player Scott Bessant who was found with lifechanging injuries is still unable to speak 1,000 days after being found.
The former Wales Dragon-hearts full-back was found seriously hurt near a bridge near Pontypool in the early hours of August 13, 2017.
Now almost 37, Mr Bessant remains unable to communicate with his own family and cannot walk or talk.
Today marks one thousand days since Mr Bessant was found with lifechanging injuries near a bridge in Abersychan.
After time in intensive care and months in hospital, Mr Bessant is now living in a care home.
Last month the family had a scare when he was taken to hospital with a chest infection and high temperature. He was tested for coronavirus, but his test came back negative.
Mr Bessant’s sister, Sian Chere, said: “After seven days in hospital having tests and in the fantastic care of the NHS, he’s now back at the care home. It’s so hard for everyone at the moment not being able to see him and heartbreaking for his two children.”
For more than 950 days, Mr Bessant’s parents, Howard and Jackie, visited their son every single day until the country went into lockdown.
Sian said: “All our mum and dad want to do is see their hero of a son. Their love and dedication is truly inspirational.
“It’s nearly three years since that horrific night, but as a family, we’ll never give up.
“We’re now in talks with local authorities to have our sister Rachael’s home adapted for Scott’s complex needs, but due to Covid-19, things have been put on hold.
“As a family we are praying we will get the go-ahead soon so we can bring Scott home where he belongs, and care for him in the family surroundings that he’s always been used to. A big thank you to all of the staff at the Royal Gwent Hospital for doing everything they can for him and everyone right now.
“Keeping us updated has truly has meant so much to us.
“You’re under all the pressure, but you still found the time to let us know how he was and that truly means a lot. We are forever grateful for what you do for us.”
Following the incident, Mr Bessant suffered multiple fractures to his skull, a fractured neck, broken ribs on his entire right side, a fractured pelvis, and has had multiple strokes.
He had been drinking in the Little Crown pub on the night before he was found by a passer-by near a bridge in Pentwyn Lane, Abersychan, in August 2017.
According to those with him, he was in a “happy, joyful mood” and was dancing and left after the pub closed.
Neil Chere, Scott’s brother-in-law, said previously: “We think he walked up the old line [a disused railway line] but as of yet because nobody has been able to confirm that we’re not sure.
“That was on his way home. It could take you about an hour to get to where he was.
“From the time he left the pub until 5am in the morning we don’t know where he was. All we know is that at 5am a member of the public who was going to work found him.”
Since being hospitalised, numerous fundraisers have been held to help Mr Bessant and his family.
Now, Wales Rugby League has put up the last of the signed copies of their historical publication 100 Months of Rugby League in Wales up for auction on eBay.
The copy is signed by a number of Welsh rugby legends and looks at how rugby league in Wales developed in the 2010s.
The auction ends on Thursday, May 14.