Ryan raises cash with charity walk

MADE IT Ryan ejoys the game after his walk.

Ryan, 26, walked from his former club Shaw Cross Sharks to Crow Nest Park, the longest distance he has walked since dislocating his neck last March.

He wanted to make it for kick off for the Dewsbury Celtic versus Shaw Cross Sharks game on Saturday, and did so in plenty of time. “I got up a good pace,” said Ryan. “I had a couple of rests but tried not to have too many so I wouldn’t slow my rhythm down.”

Ryan was supported by 50-60 family and friends and his girlfriend Amy along the way, as well as the Shaw Cross Sharks under-11s team.

Doctors wondered whether he would walk again after two major operations and a stroke following his injury. The young player made a remarkable recovery, asking for physiotherapy and walking as much as he could.

Just weeks ago, short walks were leaving him out of breath but Ryan was determined to complete the walk to raise cash for the RFL Benevolent Fund and the Stroke Association.

The fund, which supports injured players, has helped Ryan pay his university fees and the cost of his physiotherapy. Cash it still rolling in but the walk has so far raised £1,900 for the fund and £100 for the Stroke Association.

“This was easily the longest distance I’ve done,” added Ryan. “I really felt it in my legs for the next couple of days.

“It’s been a long journey but doing something like this reminds me that I am getting better. I’m starting to see more improvements than I did three or four months ago.”

Ryan, who is studying building surveying at university, still undergoes weekly physiotherapy and is helping out as an assistant coach at Shaw Cross.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/Ryan-Glynn2.