Deeside Dragons player in serious condition after crash in Thailand

Josh Richardson, originally from Bradford, was enjoying a holiday in southeast Asia before the collision left him in intensive care at Bangkok Hospital.

The former Bradford Bulldogs defenceman has undergone several operations for the serious head injuries he sustained in the early hours of Friday, February 3.

Josh when he played for the Bradford Bulldogs (Image: Bradford Bulldogs)

Family and friends have come together for Josh and raised an amazing £11,774 to help with the medical bills.

Father Jim is currently by his side while his mother Susan recently returned to the UK.

“It was such terrible news when we heard what had happened," she said.

“He is in a bad way and we flew out there to be with him as soon as we could.

“We’re not sure what’s going to happen and we’re so grateful for everything that people are doing back home - it means such a lot to our family.”

Josh with his mum Susan (Image: UGC)

At the start of this year, the 24-year-old was in between jobs so decided to visit Thailand with a uni friend - he studied at the University of Leeds between 2017-21.

After flying over, they had already travelled 16 hours on a bus to another island when Josh was hungry and went out on his moped for some food in the middle of the night.

When his friend woke up the following morning, Josh was not there.

"We do not know what happened," Joanne Gibson, Bradford Bulldogs NIHL’s team manager, said.

"All we know is that he has been knocked or fallen off his bike."

Josh is currently on a ventilator and has had operations on the left side of his body, including on the part of the brain that controls his speech.

"He is a nice lad, a good kid," Joanne added.

"His mum and dad are so devastated. It is still not 100 per cent that he will pull through.

"You cannot imagine what is going through their minds, it must be horrific."

Having initially started out with hometown team Blackburn juniors, Josh then played in Sheffield for a season before joining Bradford in 2013, aged 15.

The defenceman has spent the majority of his career in West Yorkshire, spending a couple of seasons on a two-way with Deeside. 

After playing solely with the Bulldogs from 2018-22, he made the move full-time up to the NIHL One North Dragons last summer.

Josh worked for NHS Direct in Leeds as a Higher Information Analyst and was about to start a new job in Brighouse.

The hockey family has really pulled together for Josh.

Joanne said: "My daughter has played ice hockey with him since he was 10. We were with him at Blackburn and Bradford.

"He was good enough to go play the higher level of hockey at Deeside. He was settling in very well."

Matty Compton, coach of Deeside Dragons team described Josh as "a really nice lad and a great player."

A go fund me page has been set up by Joanne Gibson, to help raise funds towards Josh's medical fee's which are expected to reach up to £100,000. 

A fundraising game between his current team Deeside Dragons and ex-club Bradford Bulldogs is being discussed for later in the season.

Mr Compton added: "All the players have been constantly asking how he is and trying to help in any way they can."

Players and supporters of Deeside Dragons have come together to help donate money as well as raffle prizes. 

In addition, other clubs, including rival club Widnes, as well as local businesses have also stepped up to donate to help the young player. 

If you would like to donate to help Josh and his family, click here.

Joanne's message on the gofundme page reads: "I’m trying to help to raise funds towards the medical fees for Josh Richardson who was involved in a serious motorcycle accident whilst on holiday in Thailand. 

"Due to the nature of the accident, it is possible that the insurance company may not cover the costs of his treatments and operations.

"Please help where you can, however small the donation it’s really appreciated by the family."

Deeside Dragons are looking for further raffle donations of which funds will be contributed to the go fund me page.