A BETHESDA rugby player recovering from head injuries sustained during an assault this week celebrated his 25th birthday from his hospital bed.
Gerallt Jones, 25, of Fferm Melin Coetmor, attacked in the early hours of New Year’s Day, has been moved to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor from Walton Hospital in Liverpool.
His cousin Iain Buchanan said Gerallt, who works for Caltech at Trawsfynydd power station, had his 25th birthday yesterday (Wednesday, January 25).
He said: “He’s in very good spirits. He knows everyone, and he’s talking, laughing and joking.
“Considering the injuries, it’s a miracle he’s progressing so well.”
Gerallt had a plate inserted into his leg on Sunday, and will return to Walton to have another inserted into his head once the swelling has gone down.
Mr Buchanan, 40, said that Gerallt’s parents Dafyd and Linda, his brother Dafydd Glyn and sister Angharad were overwhelmed by the support received from the community.
Donations have been received from as far away as Australia to help the family stay at Walton with Gerallt.
Bethesda Rugby Club will hold a fundraising night called Noson Gerallt, from 7.30pm on Saturday, February 4.
Signed Wales and regional rugby shirts, tickets and memorabilia will be on sale, and there will also be live music.
Vice chairman Gruff Ellis-Williams said: “Everyone thinks it’s great news that Gerallt is back in the area.
“We hope to see him back at the club as soon as he’s feeling well enough.”
North Wales Police confirmed two youths remain on police bail while the investigation continues.
A third youth initially arrested as part of the investigation has now been released without charge.
Anyone who witnessed the assault on the High Street between 3am and 4am on New Years Day should call DS Brian Kearney on 101.