Leeds United stars visit seriously injured 79-year-old fan in hospital

Leeds United players Gjanni Alioski and Mateusz Klich make a surprise visit to Leeds United fan Geoff Batty at Leeds General Infirmary. Geoff is recovering after he was knocked down by a car on his way to watch the recent Leeds match against Hull City.
Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe — Leeds United players Gjanni Alioski and Mateusz Klich make a surprise visit to Leeds United fan Geoff Batty at Leeds General Infirmary. Geoff is recovering after he was knocked down by a car on his way to watch the recent Leeds match against Hull City. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

Season ticket holder Geoff Batty, 79, suffered a catalogue of injuries after he fell in the road before being involved in collision with a car while walking to the Elland Road stadium for the Whites' home match against Hull on Tuesday December 10.

Mr Batty, a widower from Cross Gates, suffered a bleed on his brain and kidneys, four broken ribs, a punctured lung, broken nose and open wounds on his face and hands that will need skin grafts.

Mr Batty's granddaughter Fiona Webster, 31, of Oakwood, said he was gutted to have missed the match and was asking what the score was as he was being treated at Leeds General Infirmary.

Great grandfather Mr Batty - whose wife Pauline died in 2010 - spent five days in the high dependency unit at LGI.

Mrs Webster said she contacted the club to ask if there was anything they could do to help and they sent a get well card signed by the players.

Mrs Webster said: "He was very down in the dumps and very upset and emotional, because obviously it's the last place he wants to be."

The club arranged for Gjanni Alioski and Mateusz Klich to visit Mr Batty at LGI on Thursday December 19.

Mrs Webster said: "He has followed Leeds since he was a boy and has been a season ticket holder for years.

"It was a boost for him to see the players. He was really shocked and couldn't believe it.

"He was just so made up that they had made the effort to go and see him.

"It really lifted his spirits a lot. He was really chuffed and hasn't stopped talking about it.

"I think it is amazing what the club did for us. It was nice to receive the get well card, but for the players to come and see him as well was amazing.

"They have said that when he gets well he can have a tour of the stadium."