Friends of a popular Tenby man have backed the doorman and rugby player described as one of the ’nicest guys you’d meet’ to come back stronger than ever after he was involved in a serious accident.

A fundraising page set up by friends of Richard Jones has surpassed the £19,000 mark after the thirty-year-old was involved in a road traffic collision last Friday (February 7) on the eastbound carriageway of the A40, at the junction with the B4312 Travellers Rest, Carmarthen.

Richard who plays rugby for Tenby United and has also played for Pembroke RFC in the past sustained significant injuries whilst travelling towards Carmarthen from St Clears in his silver Toyota Hilux pick-up and police officers are appealing for witnesses’ help with their investigation.

His friends Nathan Lee Palmer and Jay Williams set up the fundraising page looking towards Richard’s recovery.

“The accident has left Richard in a critical condition in hospital but he is fighting through like the champ he is!” said Nathan, a fellow doorman.

“The injuries have been life changing, but he’ll come back stronger than ever and we’ll all be here to support him every step of the way.

“Richard has a fantastic and loving family who have agreed for us to set up this page for him.

“On behalf of the family, we all know Richard would be so touched and thankful for the love and support received for the past few days and then for the future to come.

“Any donations would be tremendously helpful towards the costs of treatment, care and a prosthetic leg, we all know that he will need in the months to come.

“Whatever the amount you donate it will be much appreciated and this will go along way to get Richie back again.

“Richard’s family are so overwhelmed by the love and support received and want to say a massive thank you in advance,” added Nathan, urging his friend to ‘keep fighting and stay strong’, whilst also thanking those that have donated to the cause so far for their support and generosity.

Pembrokeshire Powerlifting Club based in Cresselly have said that all profits from their next competition will go towards helping Richard and his family get through the tragedy, stating that their doors will be open to help him with whatever aftercare and rehabilitation he needs.

Richard’s club Tenby United RFC have also urged their player to ‘keep fighting’ stating that they hope to see him back up Heywood Lane soon.

Dyfed-Powys Police have urged anyone who saw the collision which occurred at around 1 pm, or motorists who have dash cam footage of the vehicle travelling down the A40 towards Carmarthen from St Clears, to please get in touch.

Contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit by calling 101, online at http://bit.ly/DPPReportOnline or via email at [email protected]

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Quote reference: DP-20200207-161.

You can donate to the fundraising page by looking up ‘Richard Jones Fundraiser’ on Facebook.