'They're desperate' - appeal launched for RaceTech camera operators hurt in fall

Four months after suffering potentially life-changing injuries in a frightening incident at Hamilton, two camera operators have spoken of the mental and physical trauma they have been through.

Neither is able to work and as their savings run out a GoFundMe account has been set up to help the two freelancers make ends meet.

Kit Campbell and Robbie Cotgrave were working for RaceTech at Hamilton on June 29 when they fell from the mobile platform or 'cherry picker' on to a van, after which racing was abandoned while the pair were treated.

Robbie Cotgrave: “It is going to be a very long road to recovery for him'

"What happened to us was both physically and mentally traumatising," Campbell said. "The stress this has put on our partners and family has been immense. Since the accident we have lost our ability to work.

"We have lost our ability to do normal everyday things. I can't cook for myself, I can't even put my jeans on myself. We've been robbed of our dignity and our livelihoods."

Describing the effect the incident has had on him mentally, Campbell added: "I could never work at height again. I can't trust anything structural or mechanical.

"I think the floor in my flat is going to give way and drop me into the room below. I think the chair I'm sitting in will collapse. I think my partner is going to lose control of the wheel when we're driving on the motorway."

Cotgrave has also found life difficult according to his sister Val, who said: "He is still in a lot of pain and discomfort and will possibly be looking at more operations. The future he had has been taken away from him and at this point he has no idea what the future holds.

Robbie Cotgrave: 'At this point he has no idea what the future holds'

"It is soul-destroying to watch a man who was full of fun, mischief and confidence suffer the destruction this accident has had on his mental health and self-worth.

"He has always been a very proud man and first in the queue to help anyone, so to watch him struggle physically, mentally and emotionally is the hardest thing for anyone to watch.

"It is going to be a very long road to recovery for Robbie after this accident."

Trainer Harriet Graham, who worked as a director for RaceTech for more than two decades, set up a GoFundMe account with the aim of raising £10,000 for the pair.

"They are desperate," she said. "We need to try to help pay their rent or their mortgage, to keep them in their homes over this winter, so they're back at a stage where they can work – they may never be camera operators again but they should be able to work.

"Robbie and Kit were really uncomfortable about doing this but I said I'm sure there are people in the racing community who want to help you. They are part of the hidden army that keeps racing going."

Kit Campbell with top jockey Ryan Moore

Both men are grateful for help they have received from their partners and from Racing Welfare.

Campbell said. "I still can't feel most of my fingers, my wrist will never function again and the surgeon tells me my ankle is going to cause me problems for the rest of my life.

"Robbie's broken shoulder will never heal and he doesn't know if he will ever walk the same again."

Kit Campbell in hospital

The Racing Post understands that a Health and Safety investigation is ongoing. RaceTech has expressed its concern and sympathy for Campbell and Cotgrave.

Donations to help Campbell and Cotgrave can be made at their GoFundMe page and a share of the money raised will go to Racing Welfare.

Harriet Graham: 'They are part of the hidden army that keeps racing going'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

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