Kevin Hartie was playing on the right wing for Campion RFC 1st XV on Saturday 12 February 2000. Campion were playing in a London North East Division III fixture against Canvey Island. Towards the end of what was a good natured and competitive game, Kevin picked up the ball in open play and, as was his want, ran at the Canvey Island back line. He was tackled. The tackle looked innocuous. The sort of tackle that any one of us might make or be involved in any number of times throughout any match. Only the consequences of this tackle were very serious. Kevin sustained a high neck injury resulting in paralysis of both upper and lower limbs. Kevin was immediately admitted into Oldchurch Hospital ITU ward and following a brief period which he spent at home, went into the Spinal Injuries Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, St. George's Ward, on 26 April 2000. MRI scans - which show detailed infrastructure of tissue configuration - of his spinal cord, indicate that the extent of Kevin's injury is clinically very severe. He has some control over his upper limbs and shoulders but cannot move his legs. He was discharged from Stoke Mandeville in September 2000 and has returned home. He has periodic check-up visits at Stoke Mandeville and undergoes regular physiotherapy sessions with Richard Stoneman at The Open Mind Rehabilitation Centre in Stapleford Abbots in Essex. Campion RFC's insurers are aware of Kevin's injury and situation and an insurance settlement will soon be forthcoming. Nevertheless, Kevin's immediate and interim needs obviously require financing. Campion RFC wants to do all in its power to address Kevin's financial needs and we have made appeals to the wider Rugby community and undertaken collections at various fixtures subsequent to the 12 February, 2000. The emphasis of our appeal has been fairly direct. In all probability, anybody who has taken time to access our web-site and read this page has at one time or still does play rugby. Reducing our appeal to its most basic terms, in other circumstances this could be you. Your Club might be making a similar appeal on your behalf to which you would hope for a positive response. We have undertaken various fund-raising events which have been successful. On 17th August 2000 Campion RFC played a match against an ex-International XV which raised a considerable amount of money. Further, we held a Golf Day in September 2001 and propose to make this an annual event which will raise money for Kevin going forward. Other fund-raising events are planned and will be publicised on this web-site. We are also continually struck by the generosity of individuals and groups to our cause. A number of people have undertaken various sponsored events and the victorious Campion RFC Under 21 side which competed in and won the Kronk Under 21 Tournament in September 2001 donated their prize money to the fund. It is at a time like this that we, as a Club, are aware of the need for all of our members to pull together for the benefit of Kevin so that he has a group of people who will continue to provide for him and his family for as long as it is required. Similarly, we as a Club, need the support of our sporting community. Possibly, you as an individual, or a representative of your Club, can provide a tangible indication of that support. Rugby gives us all so much from playing, watching our children play, to sharing success and failure as a team, to socialising, touring, friendships and much much more. This, in a way, is a chance to give something back. We take all of these benefits and opportunities for granted. Kevin may not be able to share in these experiences again. However, the success of our appeal and money raising efforts might give him an assurance of the support of his wider Rugby community in any event, which will be some compensation. We are hoping that the response to our appeal will provide our club and our supporters at large with a reassuring measure of our responsibility and integrity in the context of our commitment to our sport and most importantly the individuals who play it. Any queries regarding Kevin and the trust Fund should be directed to: Pat Davis PO Box 2269 Romford Essex RM4 1EL Any donation can be sent to the same address - cheques should be made payable to: "Campion RFC Kevin Hartie Trust Fund 2000". Thank you for your time in reading this piece - feel free to take the next step, go the whole hog and make a donation!