‘Zhamir Strong’ Fundraiser Held In England
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudians in the UK came together for a football tournament fundraiser in Coventry on Sunday [October 29] in support of Zhamir Denbrook-Pitt, who suffered life-changing injuries in a motorcycle crash.
The 18-year-old sustained a severe spinal injury in a collision in St David’s in July. He underwent treatment at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Centre in Massachusetts before being airlifted to London to continue his care at Croydon University Hospital.
The family and friends of Zhamir, a student at Croydon College in South London, hope to raise $255,000 [£210,000] via a GoFundPage to cover medical costs and help pay for specialised care and therapy to improve his condition.
Organised by Dennis Zuill, a former Dandy Town and Bermuda footballer, the First Annual Zhamir Strong Football Classic featured four teams – Bermuda Masters, Bermuda Gombey, Dunlop Masters and Coventry All-Stars – and took place at the Dunlop Sports and Social Club.
Kamau Leverock, the Bermuda national team cricketer, and Brandon Minors, the former Dandy Town captain, were among those taking part.
Nahki Wells, the Bristol City forward, supplied kits for the two Bermuda teams and donated several pieces of signed memorabilia for auction.
“It was an honour to bring together Bermudians, Africans and British nationals for such a great cause,” Zuill wrote on Facebook.
“The first of many to come. To our very own hero, Nahki Wells, your heartfelt contribution to this event was nothing short of amazing.
“When our country is in unity, it’s a beautiful thing. I saw friends I hadn’t seen for years; it was so refreshing. To all who travelled from near and far to make your contribution, we really appreciate you!”
Justin Denbrook, Zhamir’s father, said the next phase in his son’s rehabilitation was to move him to a centre providing continuous intensive physiotherapy for people with spinal cord injuries.
“We’re looking to move Zhamir in the next few weeks,” Mr Denbrook told Bernews. “It’s a long process. He’s coping very well, and his spirits are high. He’s making progress.”
Mr Denbrook said the family were working to repay The Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association [LCCA] – a Bermuda charity which covered the costs of the air ambulance bills – and that events such as the football fundraiser were greatly appreciated.
“The LCCA helped us immediately, and we’re so grateful to them,” he said. “We have to pay them back so they can help other families in a similar situation.”
Rheba Simmons, Zhamir’s auntie, has moved from Bermuda to London to support her nephew in his recovery.
“The support has been amazing – it’s been overwhelming!” she said. “Everyone has come out and shown their support today, and it keeps everyone close-knit and in the loop.”
Donate via account No 79544760 [sort code 30-65-49] in the name of Justin Denbrook and reference Zhamirstrong donations or click here.
Heart warming to see so many faces I know, and what a wonderful cause.
But sad they choose to live in the UK, Bermuda offers the young man so little these days