THE mother of Cleator Moor footballer Danny Hodgson has spoken out as she heads back to the UK alongide his siblings - leaving Danny to be looked after by his father and girlfriend in Australia.
Nicola Hodgson spoke out on social media to thank Western Australian (WA) authorities who helped the footballer's parents arrive in Australia - when it was 'virtually impossible' to get there during the pandemic - as Danny fought the 'hardest battle of his life to stay alive'.
She said: "As parents this phone call is your worst nightmare and one I never would want anyone to have to go through, especially when it was due to an unprovoked attack.
"WA, Cumbria and the whole world got behind our story, prayed for us, sent messages, had holy water sent from Lourdes, food sent to quarantine, offers of accommodation, use of cars... you name it, we were offered it by the kindness of the people."
The mother of three will return today with Danny's siblings Abby, 19 and Joe, 18 who both left education to be by their brother's side as he fought for his life.
Nicola said: "I leave today with my two other children Abby and Joe to go back to England and try to mend their lives that were taken away so suddenly, and they just had to get on with it because Danny was the one that needed us most."
Danny's father Peter will stay in Australia for 'the forseeable future' to support Danny and girlfriend Jess in his rehabilitation.
Nicola said: "The three of them make a great team.
"We didn't want to split the family but it's the best choice at this moment in time.
"Me, Abby and Joe hope to return at Christmas to spend Christmas as a family, fingers crossed the borders stay open.
"It is breaking mine and the kids' hearts to leave Danny but his dad and Jess are the best team to continue his support and [I] am the best person to help my other two children heal from this trauma and try and fix their broken hearts and careers."
The family thanked Jacob's Engineering for allowing Peter to stay at work in Australia.
Nicola said there was a 'million people' she would like to thank such as Carla Sherman and Emma Sammarruco, Singapore Airlines, the WA surgeons, nurses and team at Fiona Stanley Rehabilitation for the care they've taken with Danny and the media for sharing his story.
She said: "As for WA, my local community and the world without your generousity and love it would have not been possible to support Danny and for Danny to be able to recover at home without many worries.
"Please give yourself a clap and take a bow. I am forever in your debt and you are all forever in my prayers.
"I know there are many more I would like to thank but you know who you are."
Nicola is hopeful that there will be changes made to the Australian judicial system that the family have been seeking since Danny's attacker was sentenced.
She said: "I hope between the WA, media, Attorney General and the State Government we can make changes to the judicial system to reduce this happening to someone else and, if it does, that the correct sentence is given."
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