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When 12-year-old Dylan Morgan suffered a head injury during a rugby match in October this year it would have been hard to imagine him back on his feet so soon, let alone taking part in a sponsored walk. And yet, last Sunday, December 4, that’s exactly what he did. 

“He’s done amazingly well considering where we were a month-and-a-half ago,” said Chris Morgan, Dylan’s Dad, of the four miles Dylan walked after sustaining a life-threatening injury on October 16 against Monmouth RFC under 13s.

Dylan participated in the ‘warrior walk’ organised by his team, Bargoed RFC under 13s, to raise funds for four charities, including the Wales Air Ambulance which took Dylan to the University Hospital of Wales for life-saving brain surgery.

“It’s incredible because without the air ambulance, Dylan wouldn’t be here today,” said Chris. 

The money raised is important given the work that they do, according to Chris. “It’s frightening to think [a] charity is saving lives and not getting government support.”

Other charities that will receive donations include the Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, Noah’s Ark Childcare and Bristol Royal Hospital where Dylan will have further surgery for an underlying condition, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that was found after the injury. 

The walk itself raised £1,444 alone, according to  Ryan Giffard, coach of the U13s who participated in the fundraiser.

“It was a fantastic day,” said Ryan, adding that around 40 to 50 people completed the whole route from Rhymney RFC to Newbridge RFC, stopping in rugby clubs along the way. 

There were bacon butties, curry rice and chips and refreshments to keep walkers sustained, as well as money for the pot. “All of the rugby clubs along the way had raised some money for us,” said Ryan. 

Some of those who walked the whole way were as young as twelve whereas others joined for certain legs of the walk, meaning that there were perhaps around 100 participants at one stage.

For Ryan, it was great to see Dylan take part in the walk. “He did fantastic[ally],” he said, adding that it was nice to see him involved with the rugby community again even if he’s not yet back on the pitch. “There is hope he may play in the future,” he said. 

This level of support has not been uncommon, according to Dylan’s Dad, Chris, who says people have really gotten behind the Morgan family. 

“Bargoed RFC [has] been phenomenal,” he said. In fact, Chris sends his thanks to the “whole rugby community”, including junior and adult teams who have sent good wishes, cards, and donations. 

There has been an estimated £7,000 to £8,000 raised in total with other events taking place including auctions and a virtual bike ride by Monmouth RFC U13s who rode from Monmouth to Bargoed and back. 

Chris hopes that Dylan’s elective surgery at the Bristol Royal Hospital will be as soon as possible as his condition is still quite serious, meaning that someone has to sleep with him throughout the night. “We don’t get much sleep,” said Chris. 

Still, the support that Chris and his family have seen has really made a difference, especially as people are very much impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. 

“It’s tough on everybody,” he said of the current state of things. “It’s humbling.

“We can’t thank everybody enough.”

Donate to Dylan’s JustGiving page here.

Bargoed U13s and Bargoed RFC play at Bargoed Rugby Club, 95-97 Gilfach Street, Bargoed.