Accident survivor Luke plays part in fundraiser
EMOTIONS ran high when 10-yearold Luke Pye walked on to the pitch at a charity football match held in his honour.
Jackie and Jason Pye were cheering from the stands when their son shook players’ hands at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium, in James Whatman Way, on Friday last week.
Loved ones feared the worst when the youngster was hit and dragged under a car on Sutton Road in March. He was flown to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma.
But amazingly he was home just days later, with no lasting injuries.
The match, between Local Legends and Tarmac Football Club, raised nearly £1,000 to share between the Pye family, Kent Air Ambulance and the London hospital.
Mr and Mrs Pye took Luke to the capital on Tuesday to present a cheque to staff who helped save his life.
They also used part of the fund to take the schoolboy on the London Eye.
Mrs Pye said: “A few months ago I thought I was going to lose him, but now look at him. We’re so grateful for everyone’s support.”
The match was organised by family friend Dan Marchant, who played for the winning Tarmac side.