A local rugby league hero who spent time playing professionally with clubs including York RI RFC, and as a long-serving coach and player at Heworth ARLFC, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for crucial stem cell treatment in a bid to beat dementia.
Former professional rugby league player Chris “Smiggy” Smith was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) three years ago, which he attributes to concussions and head injuries accumulated during his time on the pitch. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, “rugby has the highest concussion rate among major sports. Former Scottish international rugby union players were found to be 2.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative disease than the general population who hadn’t played international rugby”.
Smiggy has been given a 10-year life expectancy, but hopes that he’ll be able to extend this and spend more time with his wife, Jo, and son, Kaleb; he says: “With your help and stem cell treatment, I may beat dementia.”
Whether you’re part of our city’s close-knit rugby league community or are simply keen on putting your money towards a good local cause, please consider helping Smiggy out and doing your bit to counteract the devastating effects of sports-related dementia and CTE – each and every donation is greatly appreciated!
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/beating-dementia-cte-for-my-wife-boy to read Chris “Smiggy” Smith’s story or donate today. Visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/about-us/our-influence/policy-work/position-statements/sport-and-dementia/ to learn more about the link between contact sports and dementia.
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