ipswich/kesgrave: Friends of a man seriously injured in an accident with a digger are set to host a charity football match in his honour.

Gavin Frost was left critically ill after being hit by the nine-tonne digger while carrying out work in an 18ft hole in Fenton’s Way, Grange Farm, Kesgrave on January 21.

Suffering a string of injuries, the talented footballer has faced two operations and countless therapy sessions during his recovery. The impact broke his jaw bone in three places, left him with a fractured skull, a broken cheek bone and eye socket, broken ribs and severe cuts.

He also suffered a paralysed right vocal cord, meaning he is unable to speak. Yesterday, the 33-year-old’s family spoke to The Ipswich Star about his long road to recovery for the first time.

An end of season fundraising football match is now being organised to raise money for the talented Ridgeons League player.

Ipswich Wanderers chairman Terry Fenwick has teamed up with Ransomes Sports manager Peter Gorham to host the charity match. They are both teams he has played for. Several of Mr Frost’s friends and former teammates have already signed up to play, including ITFC legend Fabian Wilnis.

Mr Fenwick said: “Frosty is such a well-known and well-loved player and we were all devastated to hear about his accident back in January.

“Now Gavin is slowly on the mend, Peter and I feel that it is important to host a fixture for him to celebrate his fantastic career in local football.”

The match will take place on Friday, May 11 in Humber Doucy Lane.Admission to the game will be �5 for adults, while children under 16 will get in free. All proceeds from the gate will go to the Gavin Frost Fund. To donate to the fund, call Terry Fenwick on 07796077844 or Peter Goram on 07772092007.

n Send your messages of support to Gavin Frost. Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or send an e-mail to starletters@archant.co.uk