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 until his family wished to share.

“Tom has the full support of all at VCD and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

The road to recovery for Tom, a dad of two 19-month-old twins, remains uncertain.

A fundraising page has also been set up to help him and his family while he is unable to work.

Family friend Joe Foster explains in a post how the footballer works across primary schools in Kent delivering PE lessons, after school clubs and coaching sessions.

He adds: “In addition to the impact this has had on Tom’s health, this devastating injury has also put an inevitable financial strain on Tom and his family,” the

“Tom’s road to recovery is still uncertain and it is not yet clear when Tom will be able to return to work.

“All of Tom’s current planned work has been put on hold and therefore, so has his income.

“What I, as his friend, and his family are asking is that if anyone feels they would like to donate anything towards supporting the financial burden of this damaging injury, we will be so very grateful.”

To view the page click here.

Former clubs have also added their well wishes and asked others to share the fundraising link.

Ramsgate FC said: “Everyone at Ramsgate FC want to wish the best for Tom for his recovery from his injury.

“Once a Ram always a Ram.”

Hythe Town added: “We wish our former player Tom Carlse a speedy recovery.”

Ashford United said: “Everyone at the club would like to wish Tom all the very best during his recovery, and hope to see him on the football pitch again soon.

“Tom was a cherished player by the supporters during his time at Ashford United. They all send their best regards to him at this difficult time.”

John Pitts, director at Sittingbourne FC, said: “Sittingbourne FC are sorry to see that one of our ex-players has sustained a serious injury when playing for VCD Athletic in a recent match.

“Tom played 61 matches for us in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons. We hope that Tom makes a quick and full recovery.”