The parents of a Cumbrian footballer who was left in a coma after an attack in Australia have praised hospital staff after the 26-year-old was moved from intensive care.
Danny Hodgson was left with severe brain injuries after the attack and had been in an induced coma in hospital in Perth.
In an interview with Western Australia Today, his parents, of Cleator Moor, confirmed that the former Carlisle United youth player remained in a critical condition but that he was no longer in intensive care.
Danny had undergone emergency surgery in Royal Perth Hospital for bleeding to the brain and a brain fracture before he was put into a coma.
His parents Nicola and Peter struggled to get flights to make it to his bedside but managed to fly out to be with their son.
Danny has plied his trade as a striker in both England and Australia, playing for Windscale and Cleator Moor Celtic football clubs as a youngster before moving to Carlisle in his teens to play for The Blues.
Danny moved to Australia when he was 18 to continue his football career.
Danny has been fighting for his life since September 5 when he was allegedly struck to the back of the head, knocking him to the ground and leaving him unconscious.
The ECU Joondalup player, whose family and friends described as “optimistic and bubbly”, was put in a drug-induced coma, with his plight receiving widespread support from the international football community, including from Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Danny is still in a critical condition and under the care of a team of neurosurgeons who continue to monitor him 24/7,” they said today, speaking to the Australian publication.
“He has a tracheotomy, which means he is unable to speak to us, but he is aware that we are with him.
“Even the smallest effort is a mammoth undertaking for Danny, and we are in awe of his courage and spirit.
“We would like to express our eternal gratitude to the army of ICU doctors and nurses who helped Danny fight on for the last 59 days.
“Your dedication to our son has been incredible. Our family continues to draw strength from the messages of support we receive from around the world, so please keep Danny in your thoughts and prayers.”
The accused attacker is in custody waiting to enter a plea.
