Amputee cricketer Rob makes new business appeal after losing job

AN amputee cricketer struggling for work after losing a limb has launched a crowdfunding appeal so he can start a mobile disco business.

Parley club cricketer Rob Franks is in desperate need of money to start up a firm to entertain at children’s birthday parties, weddings and discos and is seeking £8,000 to get it off the ground.

As reported in the A&T, Rob (41) made headlines nationwide after he phoned Jeremy Vine’s BBC radio show in 2018 and tearfully described his wish to have his left leg amputated.

He said it was the only way to end three years of agony he had endured from a tumour in his knee which NHS surgeons had been unable to resolve. It stopped him sleeping, made Rob constantly irritable and required he take 29 painkillers a day.

Rob had a tremendous response to his plight as hundreds of people pledged donations to help him get the £15,000 he needed for the op, including Mr Vine himself.

However, he has revealed to the A&T that after having the operation he was summoned by his Bournemouth-based employer, for which he was working on a temporary contract, and told he was being let go.

He cannot go back to his old career as a cricket coach because of his amputation.

Rob, who has a prosthetic leg, is married to Carla and has a stepson Oliver and son Harry. He would not name the company that released him but said he was “completely floored” by the decision.

“It was a company and a job that I absolutely loved. I worked with some amazing people and loved every minute there, I can’t tell you all how gutted I am,” he added.

“This has forced me to take stock of my life. I haven’t exactly set the world on fire and I can’t go back to my original career now I’m an above-the-knee amputee.

“I need to secure my family’s future and I’ve decided that I want to start a business on my own. I have a fantastic business in mind but I just don’t have any money to be able to set this up.”

He added: “The reason I want to do children’s entertainment is because children seem to like my crazy personality – I’ve hosted a few children’s parties and the parents have said I should become a children’s entertainer, plus it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Rob continued: “I know we have been here before but can you please spare a few pounds to help me start to secure my family’s future. Neither Carla nor I have ever been blessed with any money, we have had to work hard for the little that we do have.

“I desperately want to set up on my own, I have the idea, I have the plan and I have the enthusiasm – the one thing I don’t have is the money to start it up.”

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/Rob-Franks.