Local fundraiser to bring out the matchball on Saturday
NORWICH City will be delighted to welcome Tim Papworth, a local fundraiser, as our KarePlus Community Hero for Saturday’s match against Reading.Last weekend, Tim (left) tackled ‘Only the Brave’, a mud obstacle course in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), only six years after the organisation saved his life.
In 2010, Tim suffered life-threatening injuries after falling 14 feet from a ladder onto a concrete floor at his potato store in Tunstead, which resulted in bleeding on the brain.
Due to the rural location of Tim’s accident and the severity of his injuries, he was attended to by the East Anglian Air Ambulance and their clinical crew: Dr Jeremy Mauger, Dr Haris Bergovic, and paramedic Gary Steward.
After immobilising his spine, Tim was transported to Addenbrookes within the hour which prevented him from sustaining long term brain damage. Something that Mr .Papworth and his family will be eternally grateful for.
Despite overcoming multiple operations and enduring a five-week coma, Tim was determined to fundraise for the organisation that is so close to his heart, and came back fighting fit to take on the five mile challenge. Tim has raised a staggering £5,435 to date, a total that is still rising.
"Without the East Anglian Air Ambulance, I would not be here today, they mean everything to me” explained the local farmer.
"I am overwhelmed to be nominated as Norwich City FC’s KarePlus Community Hero, and hope that this opportunity will help to raise more money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance so they can help more people in their hour of need."
If you wish to donate to Tim’s fundraising page, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tim-Papworth1
At every Sky Bet Championship home match, the Canaries will invite a deserving community-minded individual or individuals to be their KarePlus Community Hero and place the matchball on a special plinth prior to kick-off.
Whether the individual works in the emergency services or the armed forces, is a carer or charity champion, a super fan or a regional sporting hero, the initiative celebrates their contribution to the local community.
If there is anyone you think deserves special recognition for their community efforts or personal achievements, please contact the Club via communityhero@canaries.co.uk.