Stoke City has reversed its decision and will now cover the cost of surgery for one of its women’s team players after she claimed the club initially advised her to use NHS services.
Defender Kayleigh McDonald, 30, sustained a serious injury during Stoke City Ladies’ match against Burnley on March 24, resulting in multiple diagnoses including a ruptured LCL, a high-grade three ACL injury, and other complications.
‼️PLEASE READ AND SHARE, ANY HELP IS TRULY APPRECIATED‼️ @GirlsontheBall @FAWNL @PFA and any other pages please tag and share. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/6Vwcla1soE
— Kayleigh Mc (@Kayleigh_Mcx) April 16, 2024
Despite the severity of her injuries, McDonald was informed she would need to join the NHS waiting list for surgery. In response, she launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £20,000 to cover the costs, given her inability to work and the financial strain.
The campaign gained significant traction online, with over £10,000 raised. Stoke City later confirmed they would cover the surgery expenses.
McDonald expressed the emotional toll of the injury, acknowledging that it would likely end her football career.
“This has been such a difficult time for me and something I’m really struggling with.
“I’m embarrassed to have to resort to setting up a GoFundMe in order to pay for my operation, as I have been left with no other choice. I need this operation to get back to working and earning a living.
“People know how fitness helps you mentally and at the moment I’m really struggling and it is so difficult to see the light at the end of this horrible dark tunnel.
“Without the support system I have I’d hate to think of the place I’d be at.”
Kayleigh signed from Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2023, making more than 150 appearances there including winning the Women’s National League play-off in 2019.