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From charity to tragedy

More than $20,000 has been raised for a Vancouver Island man who was struck in the head Saturday during a charity softball game.

Chris Godfrey, 32, of Courtenay was hit in the back of the head by the ball while running to first base.

The husband and father is in critical condition in Victoria and required brain surgery.

Ironically, he was playing in a tournament to raise money for children needing medical treatment.

“It’s unbelievable. You never think something like that’s going to happen when you come here to play a game we all love since we were a child," tournament organizer Scott Parsons told CTV.

A GoFundMe page set up by fellow ball players has seen massive support. They are also organizing raffles and held a vigil at the ball diamond Monday night.

“Tears fill my eyes while I read and re-read all the heart-filled posts about my amazing Chris,” Godfrey’s wife, Amanda posted on Facebook.

The Comox Valley Slopitch League is making helmets mandatory following the incident.

– with files from CTV Vancouver Island

 



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