A rugby-mad youngster who is battling a rare eye condition is desperately seeking specialist equipment so he can get back on the pitch.
Reagan Tolson was diagnosed with juvenile glaucoma last year and has since become one of the youngest in the country to have surgery for the condition.
Now the 11-year-old wants to get back to playing his favourite sport.
His parents Marc and Cheryl are looking for the kit he needs, which could include goggles and a scrum cap, with a fundraising night planned for April 13.
Cheryl said: “It’s his absolute passion is rugby league, but for him to carry on playing he needs some kind of protection.”
Reagan, from Drighlington, was diagnosed after his teacher noticed he had a watery eye.
A check-up found double the amount of pressure on his left eye than expected and he was sent to Leeds General Infirmary.
A scan confirmed he had the condition, caused by a build up of fluid behind the iris which is unable to drain back into the bloodstream.
It could have taken his sight if left untreated.
After the diagnosis he was put on medication but just before Christmas the pressure was found to be so great that he was told he would need surgery.
The operation, carried out in January by specialists at Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax, involves creating a ‘blister’ in his eye ball to enable fluid to drain.
Reagan has now recovered well and wants to go back to playing for Drighlington ARFLC.
His family are trying to find suitable protective equipment, with the help of the Rugby Football League, but haven’t yet tracked the right kit down.
Mrs Tolson added: “My eldest son Callum has played professionally at Leeds and Hull KR. It’s what Reagan wants, to be a professional player.”
The fundraising night at Drighlington Rugby Club on April 13 will help fund the equipment, which is likely to cost at least £500.
l To help with the equipment search or contribute to the fundraising, email: cheryltolson@hotmail.co.uk
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