THE family of a well-loved ice hockey player who is in a serious condition after a motorcycling crash in Thailand has been dealt a financial blow.

Former Bradford Bulldogs player Josh Richardson was holidaying in the country when he came off his moped in the early hours of the morning on February 3.

The 24-year-old is making slow progress but remains in a critical condition.

He has since undergone several operations after suffering multiple skull fractures and also had severe bleeding and swelling of the brain.

Back home in the UK, friends and family, as well as current and former team-mates, are continuing to raise money to help pay for his treatment, with the bill now believed to run in excess of £80,000.

The family were told this week that his insurance company will not pay out to cover the cost of the treatment he has had while in hospital in Bangkok.

His dad Jim remains by his bedside where there are steady signs of progress. 

Last Saturday, he had the ventilator removed and he was able to begin breathing on his own.

A day later, he spoke for the first time, and he is now able to open and close his left eye which was severely swollen after sustaining a broken eye socket.

Over £21,000 has been raised by friends via a Go Fund Me page with more money being donated on a daily basis.

His father Jim said the family had been overwhelmed by the support shown by people in the UK and there encouraging signs of an improvement in Josh’s condition on a daily basis.

“When he spoke for the first time on Sunday, it was wonderful to hear,” said Mr Richardson.

“Most of what he says doesn’t make much sense at the moment, but it’s a step in the right direction.

“His last CT scan showed that the swelling of his brain has reduced and most of the bleeding has stopped and on Saturday it was good to see the ventilator removed and he began breathing on his own.” 

The Bulldogs have already raised money through collections at their junior games and will do so again later today when their seniors take on Altrincham Aces, from which the club will donate all the gate receipts.

Talks are ongoing for a challenge game to be staged by the Bulldogs and Richardson’s current club Deeside Dragons, although this is likely to take place at the end of the season.

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