A former footballer left brain damaged by a brutal attack in Greece has come forward to help to a disabled toddler fighting for the use of her legs.
Robbie Hughes, who played for Croydon Athletic and Sutton United before the savage beating put him in a coma and ended his career, read about three-year-old Caitlin Ford's plight in the Croydon Guardian last month.
VIDEO: Caitlin Ford learns plays football with Robbie Hughes
Caitlin, of South Croydon, has cerebral palsy and needs expensive pioneering treatment to preserve her ability to walk.
Robbie, 32, nearly died after being attacked by four English men on holiday in Malia, but fought back against the odds and in May qualified as a personal trainer - despite suffering severe memory problems.
He now wants to organise a charity five-a-side football tournament and hold fundraising events at the gym where he works to help Caitlin's parents pay for her post-operative physiotherapy.
Robbie Hughes with three-year-old Caitlin Ford, her eight-year-old brother Kian, dad Irwin and mum Sorcha
Robbie, also of South Croydon, said: "I can’t do things that I once could, but I have still achieved things that I can’t believe.
“Now I just feel I want to help people in life.
"When I saw this girl in the paper I thought it would make me feel the happiest person in the world to see the smile on her face.
He added: "Without the people who have helped me in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would be finished."
Robbie, whose attackers were found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm at a court in Crete in November, has no recollection of his life before the assault.
Robbie teaches Caitlin some skills
He said: "I’ve been told that before what happened to me I was a footballer.
"They said I used to know my family, that I used to live a normal life. They said that I was in a coma.
“They tell me about my old life, but - although this might sound strange - it always feels like a lie.
"People tell me they’re my friends or I’ve grown up with them, but I don’t even remember growing up with my family.
"I had been hard for them because they are having to get to know a different person.”
Robbie, who once played professionally for Oxford United, tried to rekindle his playing career at Bromley two years ago.
He said: “I tried to make my comeback but I was so down about happened to me, I was nowhere near ready.
"But I’m lucky to be here and all I can do is make sure that I live life with a purpose, and my purpose is making sure that when I meet people who need help, I help them."
Robbie in action for England in 2012
Robbie and Caitlin's dad, 40-year-old Irwin, who is assistant coach at Purely Panthers, hope to hold a tournament in July.
Caitlin’s parents hope she will have the operation in time to start school in September.
The ground-breaking spinal procedure - in which surgeons cut out faulty nerve fibres - could stop her losing the use of her legs, but the physiotherapy will leave the family with a £30,000 bill.
Sorcha, 41, said: "We are very touched by Robbie's generous gesture, especially considering he is in recovery himself.
"It really means a lot to us.”
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