Njagga Bojang with his brother Musa on the road to recovery
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Reading fans' priceless help for Gambian 'Royal'
By Laura HerbertFebruary 08, 2010
This is Gambian Royals fan Njagga Bojang who defied the odds after being told he may never walk again after breaking his leg playing football.
His family could not afford medical care and he was left virtually bedridden for around six months.
His mother made a living selling fruit at the side of the road and when she earned enough money they hired a taxi to go to hospital, where every consultation and X-ray has to be paid for. getreading columnist Anthony ‘Southbanker’ Fenn and his family met Njagga and his brother Musa in March last year.
Mr Fenn said: “In his village the only way out is through football and some players are picked to go on and play in Europe.
“Njagga was on his way to be being picked when he broke his leg.”
The 19-year-old suffered further complications affecting his internal organs and spine leaving his chances of ever walking again looking bleak.
But kind-hearted fans generously donated £150 to former Reading Football Club captain Graeme Murty’s Testimonial Fund which helped pay for Njagga’s operation just before Christmas.
His brother Musa Bojang said in a letter: “We all thank you and Reading Football Club for the wonderful support you did for Njagga, my brother, for the operation and treatment of his leg.
“The money sent really helped us as a family. The money came at the right time when it was highly needed.
“We used the money to pay the operation bill, bought a walking stick and other medicines.”
He added: “The operation went fine, but still there are muscles within the knee that are not stretched and still need to be stretched.
“The football team where Njagga was playing decided to name the club after Reading Football Club showing their appreciation to the wonderful support you have for Njagga and my family. Thank you all.”
Sue Roberts, chairwoman of the Graeme Murty Testimonial Fund, said: “We are delighted he has had the operation and wish him all the best for the future, Graeme will be delighted.”
Mr Fenn also matched the amount raised by the fund and said Njagga and his family are now saving up for physiotherapy.
“They are unbelievably grateful, it’s very humbling,” he said.
“He has started the road to recovery but it is a very long road.”
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sounds like such an obvious scam
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