- Played for Collingwood and was a local star in Geelong
- Suffered a medical episode and faces extensive rehabilitation
- If you wish to help with Kent Butcher’s recovery, you can donate here
Former Collingwood and Geelong local footy star Kent Butcher is fighting back after a severe spinal injury almost killed him and left him paralysed.
The 50-year-old suffered an unspecified medical episode on July 29, fracturing his C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7 vertebrae and causing significant central spinal cord damage.
The injury has left him with limited movement in his body after he was rushed into life-saving cervical spinal surgery.
He is currently in a specialist hospital in Melbourne, where he is undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
His recovery process includes learning to walk and use his hands again, a journey that will keep him hospitalised for several months.
A GoFundMe page has been established by a family friend to help cover Butcher’s medical expenses and support his family.
Kellie Loving, a spokesperson for the fundraiser, posted, ‘He is slowly regaining some movement and strength post-surgery but with a long road to recovery currently up in Melbourne at a specialist hospital.’
‘With his determination, growing up living and breathing the sporting industry, we believe he can do it.’
Kent Butcher played for Collingwood in the AFL and is now facing extensive rehab after a medical episode left him paralysed
Butcher is a local icon in Geelong and played in the juniors and seniors for a local club
Butcher began his football career with Geelong’s under-19s and reserves before making his AFL debut with Collingwood in 1993.
Over his career, he played 22 games primarily as a rebounding defender. He was nominated for the Rising Star in 1994 after an impressive performance against St Kilda.
However, injuries plagued his career, leading to his delisting in 1995.
He briefly joined Sydney but never played a senior game for the Swans. Post-AFL, Butcher returned to Geelong, where he had a successful local footy career as both a player and a coach.
Donations to assist with his medical expenses and daily life costs can be made through the GoFundMe page set up in his name.
‘Your support will help cover Kent’s medical expenses including medications and recovery. It will also support daily life expenses being out of work for an unknown amount of time and help relieve financial stress off the family,’ Loving posted.
Butcher and his wife are also looking forward to the arrival of their first grandchild.
