FATE has dealt a cruel blow to brothers John and James Prince.

But the duo's determination and devotion is helping their recovery from horrific injuries.

Tragedy struck former Rugby League player and coach John first. His life hung by a thread after he broke his neck in a fall down stairs at home in Harvey Lane, Golborne.

That happened back in August and the strapping former Astley and Tyldesley Collieries' and Huyton player spent months unable to move as he lay in a Hope Hospital bed and lost five stone in weight.

But dogged John has pulled through after several operations, four weeks in intensive care and complications including a blood clot on his spinal chord and pneumonia.

Then just when life was looking brighter John was delivered a terrible blow.

He was devastated by the news that his youngest brother, James, was dangerously ill with a fractured skull after a 20 foot fall.

A month before Christmas James, of Chisworth Close, Leigh, was under intensive care at Hope Hospital with serious head injuries after the Glazebury work accident.

He lay unconscious for two weeks and John was taken from Whelley to Salford to visit him.

"Big" brother obviously left a lasting impression. James recalled: "I was wandering around Hope Hospital asking for my brother. Two days later they transferred me to Whelley to the same unit he was on.

"I was lucky being in hospital with John. He helped me a lot."

Earlier this month James was allowed home to continue his recuperation. Now James and the rest of the Prince family are giving him the same massive support to help John on his long road back to fitness.

Rugby mad John was an assistant coach at Oldham RL club and has worked hard in the youth development role at Swinton.

Although still confined to a wheelchair John is determined to regain full mobility and is able to stand.

Not surprisingly he can't give-up his coaching role.

At Whelley he's an unpaid member of staff, constantly encouraging other patients, just like he did with "little" brother James.

During an art therapy session he was taking part in, Wigan and Leigh College Inclusive Learning Officer Julia Fleming said: "He's a very confident person and it rubs-off on others."

While in hospital John has been overwhelmed by the number of people he has met, including patients, who have rugby connections.

"It's been amazing, nearly everybody has a friend or relative who is involved in the game. Everything revolves around grass roots rugby and the amateur game.

"I hope to walk again but in the meantime I can't just lie around all day so I've taken up art and writing.

"I'm writing a book about rugby and the characters involved."

John is seeking Rugby League photos for his book and is able to copy and return originals. He is particularly keen to get a photo of the A & T Colls team which reached the first round of the RL Challenge Cup in 1959. Contact The Journal editorial department if you can help. 44/46 Railway Road, Leigh WN7 4AT (01942 670669).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.