Stoke City makes awkward u-turn after telling star to ‘use NHS’ for surgery
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. 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.