SINGAPORE — More than a year after sustaining a major spinal injury at the Singapore Sports Hub’s National Stadium while turning out for Cardiff Blues in the inaugural 2014 Rugby World Club 10s, former Wales Under-20 star Owen Williams is set to return here for the first time.

Singapore will host the emotional return of Williams — who fell on his head during a tackle in the third-fourth playoff against the Asia Pacific Dragons on June 22, 2014 — with a five-day fundraising campaign (Feb 23-27) aimed at helping him raise money for rehabilitation.

The 24-year-old was paralysed from the neck down, but has regained some movement in his upper limbs in recent months. In fact, he is driving a car that has been modified for his needs. Called the #StayStrongForOws Singapore Week, the campaign is organised by sports events consultant Linda Gordon, who helped out in the running of the Rugby World Club 10s then.

While the event’s itinerary and other details are still being worked out, a slew of big names in the rugby fraternity have already confirmed their attendance for the activities. They include former Cardiff and Wales lock Craig Quinnell, Colin Gregor, who is the most-capped Sevens player in Scottish history, and former England hooker Lee Mears.

Singapore-based Gordon, who is the director of Eiger Sport & Business Performance, told TODAY that she was inspired to organise this event after being “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of concern for Williams from the local and international sporting community.

“When I chat with people at sporting events, and I tell them I am working on rugby, they remember this young boy who got injured,” said the Briton, who visited Williams at his home in Wales late last year and invited him to the Singapore event.

“People would ask me about his wellbeing, and if there is any way they could help. It is not just from those from the international rugby community, but outside of it as well.

“I see the huge outpouring of generosity and warmth for Owen, and I decided to put my organisational hat on and do something. I approached Cardiff Blues, and I asked if they have any objections if I organise a number of events, and they gave me their blessings. There was, of course, some trepidation as well, because this would be the first time since the accident that Owen will travel back to Singapore, and also travel on a long-haul flight — but we are excited that he wants to come.”

Gordon has been stepping up efforts in the past two months to reach out to individuals and corporate companies that want to help out in the event, including the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU).

“Linda just got in touch with the SRU and, obviously, we will try to support this as much as we can.

Owen is part of the rugby community, and we want to make sure that he is welcomed,” said former Singapore national rugby player Jonathan Leow, who is a vice-president of the SRU.

“This initiative is very heartening and the rugby community will come together to rally around this cause.”

National rugby player Reiner Leong, who represented the Asia Pacific Dragons in the fateful match that saw Williams get injured, said: “I think it is important that we can come together as a sport and show that our responsibility to the greater community extends beyond the playing field. We would like to echo the incredible support and love that pours out from his club, region, and country so far. No one ever wants to see accidents like this happen …

Owen was on course to be the next Cardiff and Welsh superstar, so we’re all very sad that this happened to him.”

After spending 10 months in hospital, Williams is continuing his rehabilitation at home. He said his aim is to be as independent as he can be. “It has been an emotional time for me, (my) family and friends, and I couldn’t have done it without you all … Now it’s on to the next chapter of settling in at home. It’s going to be different but I’ve accepted that now and I am ready for it,” he wrote on Twitter. “Since my injury, it really does make me appreciate the little things in life, friends, family, and everyday things. I now think what a good life I did live, and maybe took things for granted. I do have down days, thinking of what I could have achieved ... Getting my cap for Wales has definitely helped me along.

“If this (injury) had happened to me, and I hadn’t quite achieved that, then it would have been a lot harder to take, but looking at my jersey on the wall in my house does put a smile on my face.”