THE ASSISTANT referee who collapsed during a football match at Laverstock earlier this week suffered a "rare bleed to the brain".
Andy Brown was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday, December 27 where he now remains.
Andy’s wife Jenny said that he is still undergoing tests "which may or may not result in further treatment".
Jenny added: “He is very confused, and his memory is non-existent on what happened on Tuesday. He sleeps the majority of the time, which is perfect for his recovery, but when he is awake, he is trying to patch things together.
“He did ask me what the score was at the time of his collapse. Football is always on his mind.
“I cannot express my thanks enough to all of you who helped treat Andy and who had to make split-second decisions and for the support myself and my daughter received."
Jenny added that she hopes Andy will be back refereeing one day soon and that he can one day thank everyone for their support in person.
"In the meantime please accept this as my personal thanks (which doesn’t seem enough) and please anyone that witnessed the events on that day, talk about it, please do not bottle it up, no-one expects to go to a football match and witness what you all witnessed that day.
"It is giving me great comfort to receive all your well wishes and love, I know Andy is very much loved in the football community and beyond, this is the support he will need on his recovery journey."
Following Tuesday’s events. It was brilliant to read a message Andy’s wife Jenny had posted this morning, regarding his status & that he’s on his road to recovery!
— Laverstock & Ford FC (@Lavvyfc) December 29, 2022
Keep recovering Andy! 💚@BemertonHeathFC @WiltsAirAmbu https://t.co/mh9tkwydSA pic.twitter.com/ZWZMF7rX8H
Laverstock & Ford Sports Club has said it will donate all profits taken from the gate entry at the match to Wiltshire Air Ambulance "for their swift work in arriving on site and taking Assistant Referee Andy Brown to Southampton General.”
The club added: "It's a small gesture but we hope it makes a big difference, so we're delighted to donate £1,180".
Wiltshire Air Ambulance said: "Thank you for your generous donation
"@Lavvyfc We are so glad that we were able to be there for Andy at his time of need. Wishing him all the best with his recovery."
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