Local boy’s love of football aids brain tumour recovery

A local boy, who was told he would never play football again following a brain tumour, has channelled his determination and love of the game to get back to the sport he enjoys playing.

Rio Amoroso, 10, was diagnosed with a brain tumour just over two years ago and spent four months in hospital undergoing several treatments and operations.

Now back playing football,  Rio and his family will be hosting a charity football match on Sunday 3rd August at Melksham Town Football Club to give back to the charities which supported him – The Grand Appeal at Bristol Children’s Hospital and Harry’s Hat, which supports children and families living with paediatric hydrocephalus – a condition in which excess fluid builds up in and around the brain.

The event will feature a friendly match between Knorr-Bremse staff and Melksham Town parents and coaches, as well as refreshments, activities and live music.

Following his surgery, Rio, who plays with the Harriers at Melksham Town Youth Football Club, was told he would not be able to play football again because he developed a condition that affects his balance and ability to feel most of his right side.

“He has a condition now called hydrocephalus, where his brain fluid doesn’t go round his body properly,” said Rio’s dad, Danny. “He has a medical shunt fitted in his head to control his brain fluid, which also doesn’t help his balance. He can’t feel much of his right side.”

However, despite this, Rio, who turns 11 next month and has now moved into the Under-12s Harriers team, recently led his former team – the Under-11s Harriers – to success when they won their first tournament.

“The game went to penalties, and Rio’s team won the shootout,” said Danny. “He was overwhelmed; he was crying but was very happy. He went through a lot of recovery to get to where he is today. Rio does struggle, but the doctors said he was young so he would adapt. He was originally right-footed and now he uses his left foot a lot.”

Melksham Town Football Club has also been a key part of Rio’s recovery. “We’re up at the football club four or five nights a week,” said Danny, who is a coach with the youth teams. “Rio has really stepped up his football in recent months, playing in matches and training more. He’s able to practice his agility and running and he also does children’s CrossFit with CrossFit Trowbridge and also has one-to-one physiotherapy with the NHS.

“Over the last four months we have been blown away by Rio and he has been a solid defender for his football team. We just really want to thank the charities which helped us.”

Despite not being able to fully feel his right side, he also came second in a school sports day race. “He didn’t want to go to sports day last year because he felt embarrassed, but he went this year and came second in a race, which is fantastic,” added Danny.

“My wife and I are so proud of him every day and how he is adapting to his condition. We are emotional. We feel very fortunate he is here with us today.”

The charity football match will be held at Melksham Town Football Club at the Meads of Melksham Community Football Stadium, and will run from 12pm. Kick off will be at 2pm.