22 May 2024 , 16:31
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Cornwall winger Errol Carter has vowed to play again - despite being paralysed by a rare condition that affects only six people per million.
The dual-code ex-London Skolars player was struck by Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) whilst making his debut for Turkey’s rugby union side last month. He lost all sensation, strength and feeling in his lower body, simply while running during the game. Carter, 28, was in hospital for 12 days but suffered another attack within 24 hours of being discharged and immediately returned.
He’s undergone two emergency spinal surgeries on his lower back to limit the risk of permanent paralysis and could remain in hospital for up to three months. CES not only affects mobility but also bowel and bladder function. Carter is now reliant on a catheter and explained: “I don’t think it’s all really hit home yet what’s happened.
“There’s been a few nights where there’s been some dark times. I thought I was on the way to being sorted but the second surgery was the most pain I’ve felt in my entire life. I was bed-bound, unable to move for the first eight days and didn’t leave the bed for 11 days due to the pain.
“But I’ve got to get to a position where I can learn to stand and walk again. Within my discharge I was told I needed neurological physiotherapy. The waiting time, though, is 15 months.
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“It is well-documented that after any neurological/spinal injury you have 24 months to recover as much as you can. After this period it is very unlikely to see any improvements.”
Cornwall's Errol Carter (Picture: Cornwall RLFC)Carter, who has played for a decade in League 1 having also represented Coventry, is appealing for help to quickly get the rehabilitation he needs. Having set up a crowdfunding campaign, he’s raised more than £18,000 of a £25,000 target to pay for treatment. Carter, who, just over a year ago, memorably scored two tries as new club Cornwall gained their first-ever home win, said: "I now realise for me to have the best chance of recovering I need the help of others.
“This is not just a physical battle; the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds is a mental struggle. I hope with this crowd-funding I am able to get the rehabilitation I need, to live as close to a normal life as I can.”
Carter also plays for Chinnor rugby union club who have just been promoted to the Championship. He is adamant he can return to action and said: “I want to play again. I’m only 28. I still think I can play for another five years. I want to get back to ‘normal’ and then continue my rugby career.”