A Lewes Football Club player has launched a fundraiser to help cover the cost of knee surgery after suffering a devastating injury during an FA Cup match last month.
Lucy Connolly-Brame is fundraising for surgery after suffering a full ACL rupture, as well as MCL, LCL and meniscus damage during a match against Oxford United at Aveley Stadium on October 26.
NHS wait times are around a year, which would significantly delay her recovery, and private surgery is estimated to cost £10,500 with additional costs of £1,500 for rehabilitation.
Connolly-Brame said: "It was the 73rd minute and I was running back to defend when I felt a pop in my knee and fell to the ground."
There were no paramedics at the match, which delayed her going to hospital.
She said: "I was in so much pain, I actually couldn't get up or walk, so for about half an hour I was on the floor before they stretchered me off the pitch and put me in the physio room.
"Every footballer worries about their ACL and you just know when you've torn it... something feels off.
"Because I've torn my meniscus as well, it stopped me from walking and I was bedbound for three or four days after as I couldn't put any pressure on the knee at all, and I felt helpless."
The hamper of gifts given to Lucy by her teammates. (Image: Lucy Connolly-Brame)
Despite the setback, Connolly-Brame says her teammates have rallied around her, gifting her a care basket and a muscle-stimulating device to support her recovery.
She said: "If I get my surgery at the start of January, it can take six to nine months to recover, so I hope that by September I'll be back to playing.
"At first it was very hard because I can't play football which is what I love... but now I have a timeline and hopefully a surgery soon, so I feel a bit better."
The athlete has said her dreams are to play in the Women's Super League.
You can donate to Connolly-Brame's GoFundMe on: Fundraiser by Lucy Brame : ACL reconstruction and rehab