We are raising money to support Ashley Williams, his wife Sam, and their three beautiful children, Rio, AJ and Cleo, as they face a long, frightening, and deeply uncertain road ahead.

My name is Daniel Croxford. I am a close friend of Ashley’s, a fellow rugby coach, and a Club Captain at Northampton BBOB RFC, a club that is not just important to Ashley, but truly feels like home to him. I have created this page with the full consent of both Ashley and Sam after feeling completely helpless following what has happened and desperately wanting to do something meaningful to support them during this incredibly difficult time.

Ashley is the sort of person who gives everything he has to the people around him. He is a devoted husband, a loving and father, and someone who constantly shows up for his community without ever expecting anything in return. He gives an enormous amount of his time, energy, and heart to coaching the BBOB U14s. Week after week, no matter the weather, he is there guiding, encouraging, and supporting those boys, helping them grow both on and off the pitch. It is not an easy role, but it is one he truly thrives in.

Rugby has been part of Ashley’s life since he was young, after being introduced to the BBOB by his stepfather. That love for the sport and his club has never left him. If Ashley is not at home with his family, chances are he is at the club coaching, supporting, enjoying a drink with friends or pulling on his boots himself whenever he gets the chance.

On Saturday 27th December, after spending precious family time at Christmas with Sam and the children, Ashley took to the pitch to represent Northampton BBOB RFC in the annual Jigsaw Trust Charity Rugby Match. This is a very special event that raises money and awareness for Autism and one that Ashley was proud to be involved in.

Sadly, during the match, Ashley was involved in a devastating tackle that changed everything in an instant.

Ashley has suffered a double break to his tibia and a dislocated ankle. He is due to undergo surgery on 29th December, but right now the long-term impact is unknown. What we do know is that this will not be a quick or easy recovery. The physical pain is significant, and the emotional toll of such a sudden and life-changing injury is huge. The journey back to walking, working, and living normally will take time, patience, and strength.

In a cruel twist of fate, just before Christmas, Ashley was made redundant from his job. With no time before the festive period to secure stable work, he was forced into agency employment. This provides no sick pay, no job security, and no safety net when something like this happens. An unfortunate situation we could all find ourselves in.

Ashley is the main breadwinner for his family, and before any of this they had recently moved into a new home too. Overnight, the family has been faced with the terrifying reality of lost income, mounting bills, hospital travel, and the constant worry about how they will keep a roof over their children’s heads, all while trying to process the trauma of what has happened.

The weight of this situation is overwhelming.

Ashley has a heart of gold and is always one of the first people to step up when others need help. Now, for once, it's our turn to step up for him.

Any money raised will go directly towards easing the financial pressure on Ashley and Sam so they can focus on what truly matters, Ashley’s recovery and their children’s wellbeing. Your generosity will help cover rent payments, household bills, and essential travel to and from hospital appointments, so the family does not also have to face the fear of losing their home during this already devastating time.

If you are able to donate, please know that your kindness will make a real difference to this family. If you are not in a position to donate, sharing this page would mean so much.

Thank you for taking the time to read Ashley’s story and for standing with him and his family when they need it most.