Young rugby player loses leg after freak injury

Bletchley Ladies player Gracie Matthews tore the ligaments around her knee so severely that she needed surgery to remove dead muscle.

But soon after the innocuous tackle during the match against title rivals Olney two weeks ago, Gracie’s condition quickly deteriorated - forcing doctors to make the devastating decision to amputate above the knee on Wednesday.

Shocked friends and family say “she will never be the same again”.

Her teammates have set up a Go Fund Me page because she only has RFU insurance, not personal insurance.

They raised £2,170 in the first six days. It has since rocketed to £10,000.

Adam Beechey, Gracie’s brother-in-law, told the Citizen: “When we were told the terrible news, it was shocking.

“We were in utter disbelief that something like this could happen to someone so young.

“Rugby is her life. It’s one of the only things she loves and gets passionate about.

“She’ll never be able to play again.”

Gracie, from Medborne, is currently recovering from surgery in John Radcliffe Hospital.

Her Bletchley teammates this week paid tribute to their front rower.

The fateful match at Olney RFC, Bletchley, was the first league game they had lost in 23 months.

> To donate, visit http://gofundme.com/mqrc7xjg