A MAN has spent nearly 40 years in hospital after suffering a terrible accident during a rugby match.

At just 21 years old ex-Pontypool RFC player Roger Addison broke his neck and was paralysed for life when a scrum collapsed.

That promising playing career and the chance to marry his sweetheart, were cruelly snatched from him on bonfire night, 1966.

This Saturday, he celebrates his 60th birthday, and for the majority of those years, he has lived on a hospital ward.

The former Welsh youth team prop forward, who comes from Trevethin, suffered his horrific injuries during a match between Pontypool and Rugby, at the home of Rugby Union, the Web Ellis ground.

As well as a broken neck, he suffered severe spinal injuries.

A pitch-side tracheotomy had to be performed by a watching doctor to prevent Mr Addison from choking.

He was initially taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Bucks, before being transferred to Rookwood in Cardiff, where he has been ever since.

Like the late Superman star Christopher Reeve, who was paralysed after a fall from a horse, Mr Addison has a permanent opening in his throat, to help him breath.

But despite the loss of all his hopes and dreams, he has fought to salvage a life, and continues to inspire those around him suffering from similar injuries.

Remembering the accident, he said: "I was in a scrum, then the next thing I remember I was in hospital.

"It was five or six weeks later that the doctors realised how bad things were.

"Everyone was fantastic in Stoke, but it was too far for my parents to keep coming to visit me, so I was moved to Rookwood.

For Roger, who still needs specialised treatment and full-time care, the hospital has been his home.

He said: "Everyone is so kind here. The nurses are excellent."

His sister Barbara Owen, 62, of Pontypool said: "He must have been depressed after the accident, after six weeks he knew he would never walk again, but he's never shown it to his family - he just takes each day as it comes, and always has a smile his face," said Mrs Owen, 62.

She added: "It's a miracle he has lived so long. The doctors told my mum and dad he might die within six months, and that the maximum he would live was 10 years.

"But 39 years later, and he's still with us."

Mrs Owen believes his close-knit family of five sisters, who regularly visit, has a lot to do with Mr Addison's survival.

She added: "Jimmy, our brother, used to do an awful lot for him as well. Thanks to a special fund set up by rugby clubs, companies and individuals, Roger was able to buy a special van, and Jimmy used to take him out.

"He spent a few Christmases with the family."

Sadly his brother died 18 years ago but Mr Addison was unable to attend his funeral, or those of his mother and father, who died in 1984 and 1990 respectively.

And for the last 10 years his failing health has meant he has been unable to get out as often as he did. But the ex-Pooler player remains resilient.

"He gets a lot of strength from helping other people in the same boat - he's a real inspiration to others," added Mrs Owen.

Mr Addison keeps himself occupied by watching TV, and has an electric wheelchair, so he can get around hospital grounds by himself.

He is still a keen rugby fan and keeps a close eye on his old club. He said he doesn't blame anyone for his injuries.