THE chairman of Helston Athletic Football Club has praised one of their young players for his ‘incredible generosity’ towards the Helston and Lizard Foodbank.

In April 2023, Osiah Spelman, 16 was playing in a game for Helston AFC when he sustained a horrific ankle fracture in the last few minutes of the match.

Osiah was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he stayed for a few days before coming home. He then had to go back into the hospital for an operation where pins and plates were put in his ankle.  

Following the accident, the club decided to take out a sports accident insurance claim to help Osiah who was busy studying for his GCSEs which were only days away.   

Falmouth Packet: Osiah was playing for Helston AFC during a match earlier this year when his ankle broke Osiah was playing for Helston AFC during a match earlier this year when his ankle broke (Image: Helston Athletic Football Club)

Chairman of Helston AFC Paul Hendy told the Packet: “As a club, we always want to make sure we look after our players.

“We do have a sports accident insurance that we took out which does cost a significant amount per year, but we think if someone is off work, they aren’t going to be out of pocket.”

The claim was accepted, and the money was transferred last week.  

However, Osiah decided instead of keeping the money for himself, he would donate the entire payout towards the purchasing of much-needed supplies for the club's chosen charity for a number of years, the Helston & Lizard Foodbank.

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Club members have been to Tesco in Helston this week to buy the essential items the food bank needed and are now being delivered. 

Osiah told the Packet he is feeling good after buying all the items for the food bank. He said: "I feel good! 

"It was great to see all the food and other essentials being packed in the car. It was full. 

"The stuff is now on the way to people who need it." 

Falmouth Packet: Osiah had to have an operation to put pins and plates in his ankle Osiah had to have an operation to put pins and plates in his ankle (Image: Helston Athletic Football Club)

Paul has praised Osiah for his generosity on Facebook. Paul said: “Following a horrific leg fracture, Helston Athletic Football Club submitted an accident insurance claim for young and talented Osiah.

“The payout was significant for a 16-year-old.

“Hoping to be back playing soon, Osiah has made the amazing gesture of donating the entire payout towards the purchasing of much-needed supplies for the clubs chosen charity Helston & The Lizard Foodbank.

“We look forward to this young man returning to footballing action very soon.”