A FOOTBALL match in aid of a Wirral-based spinal cord injury rehabilitation centre has raised £4,000.

The event, for Bromborough-based specialist neurological physiotherapy clinic The Rehab Physio, took place at Tranmere Rovers' Prenton Park ground last Thursday (May 16).

The event, a collaboration between The Rehab Physio, The Rooprai Spinal Trust (RST) and Fletchers Solicitors, was aimed at creating more opportunities for people who don’t have the financial support to explore their true rehabilitation potential.

Together, the three organisations are offering physiotherapy scholarships to people with spinal cord injuries, followed by ongoing support with physiotherapy sessions and gym memberships.

The two teams taking part in Thursday's charity match consisted of staff, colleagues and friends representing The Rehab Physio and RST. 

It was definitely a game of two halves, with The Rehab Physio team racing to a 5-0 lead at half time. However, in the second half, the RST team made a dramatic comeback to level the score at 5-5 with five minutes to go. In a gripping penalty shootout, The Rehab Physio won 4–1.

The Retro Physio gives people with life-changing spinal cord injuries access to treatment needed to improve their quality of life.

It was founded in 2011 by Wirral couple, Chris and Jennifer Wynne. In 2021 they opened a purpose-built facility providing specialist physiotherapy and intensive rehabilitation to people with life-changing catastrophic injuries and complex neurological conditions, using world-leading robotics and virtual reality.

Wirral Globe: The Rehab Physio team pictured with John, who is on a rehab programme at the Bromborough-based centreThe Rehab Physio team pictured with John, who is on a rehab programme at the Bromborough-based centre (Image: The Rehab Physio)

The Rehab Physio has been working with The Rooprai Spinal Trust since 2022, a charity which was inspired by Marrianne Rooprai after she was paralysed from the shoulders down in a car accident in 2004.

Reflecting on the charity game, Retro Physio's co-founder Chris said: "We’d like to thank everyone who braved the adverse weather conditions on the night to come and support this worthy cause and of course, RST and Fletchers Solicitors for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that the scholarship programme continues to expand across the North West.

".Through programmes like the RST scholarship, spinal cord injury patients who don’t have the financial ability to access appropriate rehab services can achieve the best possible outcomes."