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Big update on footballer Danny Hodgson’s condition as he fights for his life in ICU

Alex ConradNCA NewsWire
Hodgson enjoyed a successful 2020 season with club side ECU Joondalup SC. Facebook
Camera IconHodgson enjoyed a successful 2020 season with club side ECU Joondalup SC. Facebook Credit: Supplied

The parents of Danny Hodgson, a football player for NPL WA side ECU Joondalup SC, have revealed their son has opened his eyes in the past few days but remains in a critical condition.

Hodgson was allegedly assaulted at Perth Train Station on September 5 after spending the afternoon with his teammates, and has been in the ICU at the Royal Perth Hospital since the incident.

In a statement released by ECU Joondalup SC, Nicola and Peter Hodgson expressed their gratitude for the team at the Royal Perth Hospital for their continued efforts with their son, but conceded an uncertain path lies ahead.

“While we are grateful to see some small improvement in Danny’s condition, the future is uncertain and we must keep travelling this journey day by day, sometimes hour by hour,” the statement read.

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“Danny is experiencing breathing difficulties and an infection and blood clots remain a constant threat.

“As a family with Danny’s girlfriend, Jess, it is very important we remain grounded and realistic about his condition and the future.

“We are eternally grateful for the expert medical care and support from the team at the Royal Perth Hospital ICU.

Danny Hodgson is a player for West Australian NPL club ECU Joondalup SC. Picture: Facebook
Camera IconDanny Hodgson is a player for West Australian NPL club ECU Joondalup SC. Facebook Credit: Supplied

“Please keep Danny in your prayers, Western Australia.

“He will need every ounce of strength and iron will to keep fighting over the next few days.”

Hodgson’s parents arrived in Australia after his mother posted a desperate plea on Facebook in need of flight tickets to visit their son in Australia, with the post being shared over 7000 times.

WA chief health officer Dr Andrew Robertson permitted them to fly into Western Australia above the international flight cap, and the parents are nearing the end of their hotel quarantine period.

To aid the fundraising efforts, ECU Joondalup SC took on A-League side Perth Glory in a benefit match on Tuesday night, with over $10,000 raised in support of Hodgson.

Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo also sent a video to Hodgson for his birthday, wishing the 26-year-old a happy birthday and passed on his well wishes.

“Hi Danny, I just heard about your story,” Ronaldo said.

Hodgson enjoyed a successful 2020 season with club side ECU Joondalup SC. Picture: Facebook
Camera IconHodgson enjoyed a successful 2020 season with club side ECU Joondalup SC. Facebook Credit: Supplied

“I hope you get well soon.

“I invite you to come to one of our games in Manchester.

“So, get well soon my friend, take care.”

Ronaldo’s United teammate, Dean Henderson – a childhood friend of Hodgson – also sent a video for his birthday.

“Danny, I just wish you all the best, mate,” Henderson said.

“Stay strong, stay in there. You’ll get through this, I promise.

“I know how hard you are and you’ll be fine.

“Can’t wait to get you over to a game and meet the boys, I’ve told them all about you.

“We’re all in your corner as a club and as a team.

“We just wish you all the very best, and I love you to bits, mate.”

A 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm by Perth detectives in relation to the incident and is due to appear in Perth Children’s Court on Wednesday.

Originally published as Big update on footballer Danny Hodgson’s condition as he fights for his life in ICU

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