Martyn Maidment, a 59-year-old football enthusiast, has experienced a remarkable recuperation following a six-week period in a comatose state, brought about by an extraordinary incident involving a stray football at a football match. The dedicated Scunthorpe fan was situated on the terraces with his son Ben, eagerly anticipating their cherished team’s final game of the season in Gloucester, when he collapsed after being struck by an errant ball. The esteemed delivery driver and factory worker for B and T Associates in Manby, Louth, was expeditiously transported to intensive care in Bristol, prompting family members from Lincolnshire to embark on 400-mile round trips to be present at his bedside.
After enduring an arduous four-week period, Mr. Maidment was transferred to Lincoln Hospital to be in closer proximity to his home in Skegness, although he remained in intensive care. On the 29th of May, he was eventually relocated to a general ward. His extraordinary convalescence culminated in a heartwarming reunion with his sons and grandchildren, and he has been convalescing whilst enjoying the Euros.
His brother Paul characterized the occurrence as ‘a complete freak accident’ that transpired during a pre-match kickabout. Mr. Maidment was inadvertently struck by the ball, causing him to fall and hit his head. Paul further expressed, “Martyn has been a resident of Skegness for 42 years. He is an exceedingly outgoing, jovial individual—the best of brothers. A finer sibling could not be found. He adores his children and three grandchildren.”
Despite the adversities, the family has been inundated with an abundance of support. A GoFundMe initiative aimed at aiding the family has surpassed its initial £7,000 target, raising a total of £7,485. Additionally, various players, including Jacob Butterfield, club captain Matt Clunan, and the new manager Andy Butler, have contributed to the fundraising endeavour.
Upon awakening from his comatose state, Mr. Maidment’s son Ben shared a photograph of his children reuniting with Martyn, expressing their appreciation for the support they have received. ‘Dad was tremendously elated to receive a visit from his young grandchildren earlier today. His countenance positively brightened upon seeing two of his grandchildren, and we all shared a delightful moment. Our father is still putting up a fight, and we managed to indulge in some amusement and watch snippets of the Euros together.’
The journey towards recovery is still ongoing, with the family acknowledging that numerous challenges lie ahead. Paul articulated that there is still an extensive amount of work to be done, and they are confronted with substantial obstacles. Despite this, the progress achieved thus far has been encouraging, and Mr. Maidment’s loved ones continue to hold out hope for his long-term prognosis.
The incident, deemed an ‘absolutely freak accident,’ has left the family in a state of profound distress. Mr. Maidment’s grandchildren include Lucas, six, a prodigious darts player who has been featured on television, alongside Toby, six, and Rory, four. His three sons, Thomas, 29, Ben, 27, and Ryan, 21, are all lifelong supporters of both Scunthorpe football and speedway, and he and Ben had not missed a single game in two years, with Gloucester being the farthest they had travelled. Despite the traumatic circumstances, the family has opted not to pursue legal action, understanding that it was an unfortunate accident.
The heartwarming recovery and the overwhelming display of support from the community offer a glimmer of hope to the Maidment family as they navigate through this trying period. As Mr. Maidment continues his journey to recuperation, his loved ones are infused with optimism and gratitude for every small indication of progress.