Friends, family and football fans have been rallying around a York family left devastated by an accident during the Leeds United promotion celebrations.
Ed O’Brien had climbed a tree to watch his team on their open top bus tour through the city on Bank Holiday Monday after they won promotion back to the Premier League.
But the 23-year-old fell onto the concrete below.
He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with what his family described as life threatening injuries and has been left in a coma.
His mum and dad both live in York. In a social media post the day after the incident, his mum Stacey Barker wrote: “At some point during the victory celebrations, my son has fallen from this tree, where he was sat at a significant height hitting the concrete below him and, as a result, he has sustained serious, life threatening injuries.
“He was taken to LGI immediately, in a critical condition, where we joined him around 50 minutes later. His injuries are extensive and, over 24 hours later, he remains in a coma.
“His prognosis is still unclear but, what is certain is that, any recovery at all from this incident is likely to be a slow and lengthy process and is unlikely to be without implications.”
She added: “To further clarify, he has done nothing any other young lad hasn’t in their lifetime. He climbed a tree, he’d had a few bottles, he was high on nothing but life and he’s been incredibly unlucky.
“Unfortunately, it was a freak accident that is likely to affect him, and all of us, whatever the outcome, for many years to come.”
She said it has been “extremely distressing” for the family, adding that Ed and his siblings are very close.
Harvey Rushton has set up a fundraising page for the family which has raised more than £12,000 so far.
He said the money was “to support Ed O’Brien and his family after Ed sadly fell out of a tree when celebrating Leeds winning the league on Monday and now is sadly fighting for his life in hospital.
“His mum and dad both live in York and at this time it will be costing them both a lot in travel and time off work so I am just hoping we can all raise some money to take that stress away from them.”
Hundreds of people have donated, including many Leeds United fans.
One donor said: “So devastated to hear this sad news at work today. Such a great lad – we’re all fighting with you. Sending love & strength to your family.”
Another wrote: “Keep going Ed, all us Leeds fans and other football fans are sending prayers and your lovely family and there with you.”
York band Skylights also backed the fundraiser via X.