Fundraiser for Kent footballer and VCD Athletic FC left back Tom Carlse after severe throat injury in FA Vase game against Hartpury University

A fundraiser has been set up for a footballer who required life-saving surgery after suffering a serious throat injury.

Left back Tom Carlse was competing for VCD Athletic FC against Hartpury University in the fifth round of the FA Vase at the time of the clash.

The 30-year-old left-back, from Gravesend, was elbowed in the throat during the game on February 1 at the GT Stewart Stadium in Old Road, Crayford.

He was taken to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford where doctors found the damage to his throat and airway was extensive and he had suffered a fractured larynx.

After receiving life-saving surgery, Tom was put into a coma and placed on a ventilator.

The footballer, who has turned out for the likes of Ramsgate United, Ashford United, Hythe Town and Sittingbourne FC previously, was transferred to Guy’s Hospital in London the next day.

He remained in a coma for five days.

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists then performed a tracheostomy – a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck to insert a tube into the windpipe.

He remains at the hospital and is now able to talk, although his vocal cords are still damaged and he is unable to eat or drink.

Tom’s recovery has started with the tube being removed and he is now working on building up muscles in his throat.

On Saturday (February 22) his club VCD put out a statement giving an update on Tom’s condition.

It said: “Tom hopes to be home soon with his family, including his 19-month-old twin boys.

“He runs his own business as a sports coach and plans to return to work once he is fully recovered, but his recovery time is still unknown at this moment in time.

“VCD have remained in close contact with Tom and his family since the incident keeping details private