Leigh McDonald - Combating the invisible trauma of football
Leigh McDonald, has been a resident of Gippsland for most of his life and is widely recognised as one of the best local football players the area has ever seen. He has achieved great success as a player and coach, leading Churchill to a premiership and coaching Wonthaggi. Football has also taken Leigh across the country playing in 3 different state leagues.
However, Leigh's passion for the game has come at a cost. Over a span of 20 years, he endured more than 40 concussions, including a severe incident in the VFL where he was knocked unconscious and suffered a brain bleed. These repeated head injuries have led to Leigh being diagnosed with CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Despite the challenges he faces, Leigh has chosen to use his experience to raise awareness about CTE. Leigh is also on a mission to help implement concussion protocols in regional leagues and has embarked on a campaign to educate others of the signs to lookout for with your loved ones after receiving head trauma.
Leigh will be running a marathon on the Gold Coast to raise funds for The Concussion Legacy Foundation, where he also serves on the board. Leigh's determination to show that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life with CTE is truly inspiring.
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Mention:
The Concussion Legacy Foundation
Enjoy the visual here on Youtube
