Bradford Bulldogs Charity Game Day raises more than £1,000 for Josh Richardson

SUPPORT: Team Richardson (in dark jerseys) line up alongside the 2023-24 Bulldogs NIHL roster following the recent Charity Game Day at Bradford Ice Arena which raised £1,045 for former Bulldogs’ D-man Josh Richardson (pictured third from right, back row).

BRADFORD BULLDOGS raised £1,045 through their recent Charity Game Day to help former player Josh Richardson.

Josh, who attended the game with his family, is continuing his rehabilitation from the terrible injuries he incurred from a motoring accident which took place while he was on holiday in Thailand in February this year. 

Because of the nature of the accident, Josh’s insurance company has not covered the costs of his treatment and operations that he required while out there.

GUEST OF HONOUR: Josh Richardson continues his rehabilitation following his terrible motoring accident while on holiday in Thailand. He was able to make it to the Charity Game Day at Bradford Ice Arena with his parents Susan and Jim.

It left the family facing a six-figure bill for his treatment and return to the UK. Soon after news of his accident came through and when it became clear insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, Bulldogs’ Seniors team manager, Joanne Gibson, set up a Go Fund Me page to help. 

So far, people have donated more than £42,000, including the most recent piece of fund-raising from his former club, the Bulldogs.

Former Bulldogs’ team-mates of Josh, including Kieran Brown, Lewis Baldwin, Jordan Griffin and Harrison Walker - now all at Leeds Knights - linked up with the likes of Matt Viney, Matty Barlow, James Royds and Chris Butler to take on the 2023-24 Bulldogs’ roster.

An entertaining game watched by more than 200 people ended up 7-7 and, when a shoot-out couldn’t separate the two teams, it was declared an ‘honourable’ draw. 

GREAT TO SEE YOU: Josh Richardson presented the post-match MCP awards, pictured here with Bulldogs’ Declan Kime and BUlldogs’ team manager Joanne Gibson, who has spearheaded the fundraising campaign in aid of Josh.

All gate money and takings from the raffle and cake stall went into the collection.

“It was great that so many of Josh’s former team-mates were able to turn out and support him,” said Joanne. 

“We’re also grateful to the many spectators who turned up to support the event at quite short notice and give so generously. It was a great atmosphere.

“Seeing Josh smiling so much and meeting up with his friends was great to see, too and made it all worthwhile.”