- Played for Collingwood and was a local star in Geelong
- Has suffered a medical episode and is facing extensive rehabilitation
- If you would like to help Kent Butcher’s recovery, you can donate here
Former Collingwood and Geelong local footballer Kent Butcher is fighting back after a serious spinal injury nearly killed him and left him paralysed.
The 50-year-old suffered an unspecified medical incident on July 29, during which he fractured his C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7 vertebrae and sustained significant damage to the central spinal cord.
The injury has left him with limited mobility after he had to undergo emergency life-saving surgery on his cervical spine.
He is currently in a specialist hospital in Melbourne, where he is undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
His recovery process includes learning to walk again and use his hands, a process that will require him to stay in hospital for several months.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover Butcher’s medical expenses and support his family.
Kellie Loving, a spokesperson for the fundraiser, wrote: ‘He is slowly regaining some movement and strength after the operation, but he still has a long road to recovery, currently in Melbourne at a specialist hospital.’
“With his determination and passion for the sports industry, we believe he can do it.”
Kent Butcher played for Collingwood in the AFL and is now undergoing extensive rehabilitation after a medical incident left him paralysed
Butcher is a local icon in Geelong and played in the juniors and seniors for a local club
Butcher began his football career with Geelong’s under-19 team and reserves, before making his AFL debut with Collingwood in 1993.
During his career he played 22 games, mainly as a rebounding defender. He was nominated for the Rising Star in 1994 after an impressive performance against St Kilda.
However, his career was plagued by injuries, resulting in him being delisted in 1995.
He briefly joined Sydney but never played a senior game for the Swans. After the AFL, Butcher returned to Geelong where he enjoyed a successful local football career as a player and coach.
Donations to cover his medical and daily expenses can be made through the GoFundMe page created in his name.
“Your support will help cover Kent’s medical expenses, including medications and recovery. It will also cover the daily expenses associated with an unknown amount of time away from work and will help alleviate the family’s financial stress,” Loving posted.
Butcher and his wife are also looking forward to the arrival of their first grandchild.