Harlequins clash a fundraiser for Fatialofa

FATIALOFA UPDATE: Warriors will dedicate the Premiership match against Harlequins at Sixways on Saturday April 11 to a day of fundraising for injured lock Michael Fatialofa.

Michael suffered serious neck injuries within a minute of coming on as a replacement against Saracens at Allianz Park on January 4.

He spent a month in St Mary’s Hospital in London – the first three weeks in intensive care – but has now  been moved to the a specialist spinal unit at another hospital in Buckinghamshire where his care is being paid for by Warriors co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham.

Warriors will now use the Harlequins match as a Fats Family Fun Day with a range of activities throughout the day to raise funds to support Michael and his wife Tatiana in their short, medium and long-term needs.

Warriors managing director Peter Kelly said Michael’s situation, his courage and resilience and Tatiana’s remarkable support and love for him have touched the rugby community across the world.

“As a club Warriors have done a lot behind the scenes to offer practical support for Michael and Tatiana in the difficult weeks that have followed Michael’s injury.

“Although Michael is making encouraging progress, the long-term prognosis is still uncertain but it is clear that Michael and Tatiana will require some significant financial support.

“By dedicating the Harlequins match as Fats Family Fun Day Warriors supporters will have the opportunity to raise a sizeable sum of money and also show their love and support for Michael and Tatiana as members of the Warriors family.”

Tickets for the Fats Family Fun Day are £20 for adults and £10 for juniors in all areas.

Entertainment in the EBC Fanzone will provided by Lucy Shaw, stilt-walker Steve Kaos, a face painter and interactive challenges provided by BBC Inflatables.