MCFCfans reports on the story of Carl Ramsbottom, and appeals to fans to donate generously to the bucket collections at tomorrow’s game against Middlesbrough

For most Manchester City fans, the away UEFA Cup match against FC Schalke at the end of November last year is a fond and distant memory.  But for one fan and his family, the trip was just the beginning of a traumatic and exhausting period that will continue for several months to come.

Carl Ramsbottom, who comes from Heywood just outside Rochdale, had been travelling back to his hotel after seeing City win 2-0 at the Veltrins Arena in Gelsenkirchen when a near fatal accident happened.  He had stopped to turn around and locate his friends and, with his back to a flight of stairs, he lost his footing in the crowd and fell.

A man with medical experience at the scene prior to the arrival of the emergency services immediately put Carl in the recovery position and ensured his airways were clear.  Keen to thank the unidentified man, Carl’s family made an appeal on KEY103 radio in Manchester.  Gareth Dickens, a City fan and male nurse at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, came forward.  Carl’s cousin Ian Ramsbottom, speaking to MCFCfans, said, “the family wanted to thank Gareth for his efforts as they may have saved Carl’s life.”

Doctors had to quickly release fluid in Carl’s brain by removing and deep-freezing a piece of his skull in an emergency operation.  They then put him into an induced coma in order to aid his recovery.  More than three weeks passed before the family had the relief of seeing Carl open his eyes for the first time following the accident.  Carl now faces another operation to re-insert the frozen skull bone, and a  long and uncertain road to recovery as his body learns basic functions all over again.    

The family have been overwhelmed by the support from supporters of Manchester City, FC Schalke and other clubs beyond.  Fans across the globe have been sending messages of support via message forums such as Bluemoon. 

The clubs themselves have also pitched in with support.  FC Schalke have been helping with hotels for the family in Germany and Manchester City are providing facilities for fundraising activities.  The club also sent a DVD with recorded messages of support from Mark Hughes and many of the City players last month.

The next major expense for the family is likely to be the need to transport Carl to hospital in the UK and this is likely to involve medical transportation by train or ambulance. Fans are rallying round with a series of fundraising events to help the family cover the huge costs involved.  Manchester City have granted rare permission for volunteers to do a bucket collection outside the City stadium prior to the match against Middlesboro tomorrow (Saturday 7^th February, KO 12.45pm).  Willing volunteers are still encouraged and are asked to meet outside the MCFC Superstore at 10.45am prior to the match.

MCFCfans has dedicated a page to the appeal that details some of the future fundraising events.  We’ll also soon have a PayPal donation button that fans around the world can use to send funds to the appeal.  Carl’s family are sincerely thankful for your support, which has been vital during this very difficult time.  We wish Carl all the very best for his recovery. 

MCFCfans