Guiseley AFC raising £8,500 for Lewis Whitham

Guiseley AFC, who play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division after being relegated from the Vanarama National League North last season, have launched a fundraising page for one of their footballers.

Lewis Whitham, 21, suffered a complete ACL, MCL and meniscus tear in his knee following an "innocuous challenge" against Marine FC on March 11 this year.

The Lions came from behind to beat their opponents 3-1 away from home, but tricky winger Whitham had to be withdrawn just after Guiseley equalised, following the half-time break.

In a cruel twist of fate, Whitham had only just been substituted on before half-time, making his much-awaited return to the side after a knee injury.

Guiseley AFC winger Lewis Whitham (Image: Alex Daniel)

Guiseley, who play at Nethermoor Park, in Station Road, sent Whitham for a scan and specialist consultation.

This determined that the young winger would require surgery, with a 10 to 12 month period of rehabilitation after that.

The wait time for such a procedure with the NHS would take several months, according to Guiseley Football General Manager & Football Secretary, James Pickles, who set up the Crowdfunder page on behalf of the club.

Whitham is employed as a football coach for DSC Elite Football Academy in Barnsley, where he hails from, and is currently unable to play or work as a result of the injury. 

Guiseley has decided to try help their young star fund the surgery privately, to avoid the lengthy wait time for Whitham, so he can get his "life back on track".

The club is asking for anyone in a position to do so to put money towards the fundraising effort.

The target is £8,500 and at the time of writing, more than £2,000 had been donated between 43 different people.

Pickles said on the fundraising page: "Unfortunately on the 11th of March 2023 in a game away at Marine FC, Lewis suffered a complete ACL, MCL and meniscus tear following an innocuous challenge.

"A subsequent scan and specialist consultation, arranged and funded by the club, has determined that surgery is required with a 10-12 month period of rehabilitation to follow.

"As a club we have, and continue to investigate all avenues for Lewis to receive this treatment.

"Conversations with his local GP regarding an NHS procedure are ongoing but the wait time could be several months.

"Unfortunately as Lewis is not a member of the PFA they are unable to provide financial assistance towards a private procedure although we thank them for their consideration on the matter.

"This has left the club and Lewis with two options; wait for an NHS procedure or attempt to find the sum of £8500 which it will cost of an operation privately.

"If anyone is in a position to donate towards the cause it would be hugely appreciated by Lewis and the Club, and help him get not only his footballing career but also his coaching career back on track."

Some donators have added comments to the fundraising page.

Trevor Ambler said: "Wishing you all the best Lewis. Hope to see you back playing in the not-too-distant future."

Guiseley AFC Supporters' Club said: "We're all right behind you Lewis and wish you all the best for the operation and a speedy recovery, we can't wait to see you back doing what you do best."

Adam Pawsey said: "Let’s go Whitdowg."

Whitham joined Guiseley AFC for an undisclosed fee from Alfreton Town on November 5,  2022 and was part of a title-winning Liversedge side before that.

The 21-year-old made his debut on the same day he signed for The Lions, scoring his side's only goal in a 3-1 loss against Warrington Town.

If you want to donate to Guiseley's cause, you can access the fundraising page by clicking here.