The third grade Rugby Cricket Club batsman received a broken toe and an ulcer from a ball but it was only when he went to pull his socks on days later that he realised he was injured.

The lack of pain alerted Mr Smith to the fact that something was wrong and helped doctors realise that complications from his diabetes had put his right leg in danger.

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In January, Mr Smith had to have his lower leg amputated and is now urging others not to let a lack of knowledge cause them trouble.

"Get your blood sugar checked, don't wait like I waited," Mr Smith urged.

"When I was diagnosed I was given some pills and told not to drink sugary drinks and sent on my way, I'd probably had it in my system for five to ten years previously, people have to be more aware."

"My feet started to go numb and I wasn't aware, once those nerve endings are dead, they're gone."

"If even one person hears that and they're able to avoid what happened to me, then I've done my job."

While he awaits a rehab course and fitting for a prosthetic limb replacement, Raymond is determined to not only return to his work, but also make the walk as part of his third grade cricket side on the weekends once again.

"I'm just an average joe, I love my cricket, I had two years with Souths, five years out at Narromine and now I've had two years with Rugby, I love it, I don't know what'll happen when I get that prosthetic leg, but I just can't get enough of it."

"I love going down there in that forty degree heat and standing around out there, I don't know why and I don't know how I'm going to go, I'd probably be the first bloke in Dubbo to play with a prosthetic, but that's my goal."

Friend Trent Chippindall and Raymond's partner Sonya McGuinness have started a fundraiser to help with cost of living increases and other expenses brought about as a result of Raymond's condition.

One of the foremost concerns is making Raymond's home disability accessible, with Wyke's Welding contributing a raised ramp for the front door and Western Area painting helping rework his shower.

"We'd prepared ourselves for this, but the house has never been set up to cater to someone with a disability."

Despite the hardship, he's has been comforted by the swell of support from friends, family and even strangers, with all manner of people chipping into raise.

"Trent's been a champion, the family support has been incredible, I'll probably cry like a baby on the benefit night we're planning on having, just the overwhelming gratitude, I'd be completely lost without my family and friends," Mr Smith said.

"Mentally, right now I'm coping with it and there's still a long way to go, but without my friends and family, I'd be lost."

Donations to the fundraiser run by Trent and Sonya can be made online through Facebook.