A LEADING name in north Cumbria’s amateur football scene has spoken for the first time following a crash that left his son fighting for his life and two of his team mates seriously injured.

Rodney Boguszynski, former chairman of Longtown FC, reached out to thank the people of his hometown for rallying round after son Paul, who has played and managed the club, suffered “life-changing” injuries.

The mother of one of the other men injured has also told of her son’s fightback from injury.

The three men involved in the crash, who have all played for Longtown, were hurt on the A6071, near the town, on January 10. Paul and friends Andy Bell, 31, and Aaron Dickson, 30, were in the car at the time.

Mr Bell and Paul were both critically injured while Mr Dickson was said to have suffered abdominal injuries and a punctured lung. All three are well-known on the Carlisle and district amateur football circuit.

Mr Boguszynski said Paul’s family had been “overwhelmed” by the messages of support for their son. The 33-year-old is currently receiving treatment for spinal injuries at the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Mr Boguszynski, of Longtown, said: “It has been a difficult time. I get to see Paul at the weekends. I head over there on a Friday after work and come back on a Sunday.

“Paul has a lot of close friends to support him. He is up and about in the chair and having physio.”

The Vauxhall Astra which Paul was driving is believed to have been the only vehicle involved. It left the road as it rounded a right-hand bend, crashed through railings, into trees and down a bank.

Paul, known as Bubba, had to be cut free by firefighters. He was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and later taken to the James Cook Hospital.


Aaron Dickson Paul, who has an 11-year-old son, had multiple injuries and was in a life-threatening condition.

Mr Boguszynski added: “On behalf of Paul’s family, his mum Jackie and I would like to thank everyone for their support.”


Andy Bell His friends, Mr Bell and Mr Dickson, both passengers in the car, are now home after receiving lengthy hospital treatment.

Mr Bell, a farmer, lives in Longtown and used to attend Trinity School in Carlisle. Mr Dickson lives in Brampton and went to William Howard School.

Mr Bell’s mother, Linda, said: “Andy is home but he’s still got a long way to go. He suffers from headaches and is having a few problems with his co-ordination but he knows what’s going on. We would like to thank all our friends and family for their support.”

The fourth person in the car, a 16-year-old boy from Gretna, was treated for minor injuries.