Blairgowrie Advertiser

Medics thanked for saving John

Relatives launch fundraiser for hospital staff

- Johnathon Menzies

Family and friends of a young Blairgowri­e man recovering in hospital after suffering a severe head injury have thanked the skilled medical staff who saved his life.

John Black was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee following an alleged assault in the city’s Old Hawkhill area in the early hours of October 8.

The 20-year-old spent more than a week in intensive care and is now continuing his recovery in hospital after a successful operation on his skull.

In a bid to thank medical staff for the crucial treatment and support the talented young footballer has received, John’s family and friends have started a fundraisin­g drive in aid of staff at Ninewells.

John, who was previously on the books at Dundee FC and is currently with Blairgowri­e JFC, had his head shaved prior to undergoing his vital recent surgery.

And, in a touching show of solidarity, friends have agreed to have their heads shaved as well to raise money for several of the hospital’s units.

Ryan Menzies, Jamie Robson, Jamie Moran, Kevin Cownie and Gary Sheilds have agreed to take part in the charity haircut, with Charlene O’Brien and Declan McKenna offering to conduct the trims.

Writing on an online fundraisin­g page John’s sister, Jenna Black, said: “John has been moved to high dependency where he will begin his journey to recovery surrounded by people who love him and health care profession­als who are looking after him every step of the way.

“John is coping well in his new unit and we are all in complete awe of his sheer strength, fight and determinat­ion.

“The care, support and respect John has been shown by surgeons, consultant­s, doctors, nurses, health care assistants, dieticians, physios, occupation­al therapists and speech therapists are second to none and these people really are worth their weight in gold.”

Jenna continued: “I have John’s blessing and, as his family and friends, we’d like to raise some money for the units at Ninewells who have so thoughtful­ly cared for John and supported his family - A&E, Intensive Care and Neuro High Dependency.

“Here’s to the staff at Ninewells who saved John’s life on more than one occasion – and, of course, the boys who are putting their vanity to the side to show John that they’re supporting him.”

The total donated via the website as of Tuesday this week was £2190 – well in excess of an initial £500 target – with other pledges of support coming in.

• To donate, log on to www.justgiving.com/crowdfundi­ng/jenna-black

John is coping well in his new unit and we are all in complete awe of his sheer strength, fight and determinat­ion. Jenna Black The care, support and respect ... are second to none and these people really are worth their weight in gold Jenna Black

 ??  ?? Recovery Friends of talented footballer John Black are raising money for Ninewells Hospital
Recovery Friends of talented footballer John Black are raising money for Ninewells Hospital

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