All connected with Wolves are continuing to support club Hall of Famer Phil Parkes after it was revealed that the legendary goalkeeper has been told he will not be able to walk again.
Parkes, who made 382 appearances in goal for Wolves, underwent emergency surgery on his back after suffering a serious fall earlier this year, and has spent the last three months in hospital embarking on his recovery.
Although he has made progress, the goalkeeper affectionally known as ‘Lofty’, who turned 78 on Monday, has been informed the extent of his injuries mean he will never walk again.
“We were made aware recently that Phil had received this lifechanging news, and are continuing to offer support both to him and his sons Greg and Dean,” says Wolves vice president and Former Players Association chairman John Richards, a former teammate of Parkes over many successful years.
“Although it is obviously very distressing, and something that has taken time to get used to, Lofty has responded in the same way as to so many other challenges in his life – with fight and determination.
“Ever since he has been hospitalised, rarely has a day gone by without a visit from one of his former teammates or a club representative, and, following my most recent visit last weekend, I am pleased to say he remains in very good spirits.
“In terms of his sense of humour and personality, it is still very much the same Lofty, and the motivation for all of us who have so much love and respect for him is to do whatever we can to help him prepare and adapt for the tough challenges ahead.
“There are so many people connected with Wolves and football in general who have come forward to offer their help and support, another sign of the esteem in which Lofty is held, not just for his career achievements but the character he has always been off the pitch as well.
“Since he lost his wife Maureen to breast cancer 15 years ago, Lofty has done so much incredible work to support different charities – and now it is time for all of us to do whatever we can to help him.”
A fundraising campaign launched by Wolves fan and friend of Parkes’, Jason Guy, has raised over £6,500 thanks to supporter donations, which the FPA are holding in reserve to be used as and when needed – as agreed with the family and medical professionals - during his rehabilitation.
It is expected Parkes will face further time in hospital, where he is also undergoing regular physiotherapy, before a decision is taken on the best course of action to follow.
