A RUGBY player who shattered his back during a game has continued his remarkable recovery by swimming 5km in under three hours. Pete Stephenson, of east Hull, dislocated his neck and broke two vertebrae when he was on the wrong end of a tough tackle eight years ago.
After being dealt a bleak prognosis by doctors, the former West Hull and Dockers player worked hard to get back on his feet.
This weekend, in front of his beloved partner and son, and with a tear in his eye at the end, he powered through 200 lengths in two hours and 45 minutes to raise money for Rugby League Cares and the Steve Prescott Foundation.
The 35-year-old, who walks on crutches, was determined to achieve the feat and raise cash for a charity that has helped him get his life back on track.
“I don’t know where I’d be without Rugby League Cares,” said Mr Stephenson, who is also an ambassador for the charity. “I had never swum more than 70 lengths before and I am just so pleased I achieved what I set out to do.
“It has been such a tough eight years, but I feel I am improving all the time.”
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Mr Stephenson began to tire after 80 lengths, but says poolside support from his eight-year-old son, Sam, and girlfriend Emma gave him the inspiration he needed.
“I was feeling sore after 80 lengths before getting a boost at about 100 lengths.
“At 130, I began to cramp and a woman had to jump in and help out for a length. I was fine after that.
“Seeing my little boy, girlfriend, mum and stepdad meant I was never going to give up. It was very emotional over the last couple of lengths and when my boy said he was proud of me, there was a tear in the eye.”
Mr Stephenson has already raised £800 and hopes to reach £1,000 in the next few weeks. He completed the challenge at Total Fitness in Willerby.
He was also raising funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation after the rugby league hero died in November following a seven-year battle with pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare form of stomach cancer.
To donate, visit Pete Stephenson’s Just Giving page.
Rugby League Cares charity
RUGBY League Cares describes its mission as to help enhance and enrich people’s lives through the power and positive influence of Rugby League. It also supports players who have received serious injuries.
Pete Stephenson said: “Rugby League Cares is an incredible charity that really does do so much for not only the players, but their families as well. I don’t know what would have happened to me without the support of this charity.
“I am delighted I’ve been able to give something back.”
• Visit the Rugby League Cares website.
"Emotional" Pete Stephenson swims 5km for Rugby League Cares and Steve ...
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