Ashley Mooney

Ashley Mooney is 30 and plays rugby for Redditch Rugby Club and also represents the England Fire Service rugby team. Not only is he a keen rugby player, he works incredibly hard as an ‘on call’ firefighter for Hereford & Worcestershire Fire Service and is self-employed, running his business, ASM Developments, a landscaping and roofing company.

Unfortunately, Ashley was seriously injured during a rugby game on 2nd October 2021, where he broke his neck, damaged his spinal cord and it is apparent that his injuries are life-changing. Ashley has currently lost use of both of his hands and from his chest down and remains in hospital, on a ventilator and will remain in hospital for a minimum of 6 weeks. Afterward, he will be transferred to a specialist spinal injury rehabilitation centre in Wales for further treatment for several months. Upon his release, his rehabilitative journey will continue. Therefore, Ashley is likely to be in hospital for the foreseeable future. What the future looks like currently, is very uncertain. All that is known, is that there is a very long road ahead. Anyone who knows Ashley will know that he is lucky enough to have an incredible support network comprising of his wife, Victoria, his stepson, Blake, parents, Vanda and Sean and siblings Abbie and Luke. As well as the rest of his wonderful family and friends, who are all a constant pillar of strength for Ashley.

However, unfortunately support doesn’t just come in that form. Ashley and Victoria are both self-employed and currently have no income coming into their home, his fire service wage only pays for the times he attends. Whilst Ashley remains in hospital, his Father, Sean and brother, Luke, are attempting to organise his business for him and Victoria is currently not working whilst she is ensuring Ashley’s needs are met and so things are naturally going to be tight for them.

The Voyagers have donated £5,000 to Ashley and received great feedback from all concerned with his fundraising and well-being. For example:

“I was absolutely delighted to hear of The Voyagers’ generous donation towards our player Ash Mooney’s fund raising appeal. Ash’s injury was life changing and two weeks in we don’t really know what direction his recovery will take.

The response from the Rugby Family has been amazing and I know that both Ash and his wife Victoria have been heartened by the generosity of complete strangers. I am sure that your generous donation will help them in so many ways.

On behalf of Ash, Vicki and everyone at Redditch RFC, may I congratulate you on the work of The Voyagers and wish you every success in your endeavour. And from all of those a heartfelt thank you for choosing to support Ash”.

Yours sincerely,
Steve Hindson
Hon Sec, Redditch RFC