James Moorhouse
A British dad has tragically been left paralysed after suffering a horror accident while on holiday in Ibiza.
David Hayes was visiting the popular Spanish island in July with his wife Elly and their two kids, but disaster struck for the dad when he suffered life-changing injuries, which means he may never walk again.
The 37-year-old only recently woke from an induced coma, having broken his spine while diving into the sea on the Spanish island earlier this summer, and doctors have confirmed that he is now quadriplegic, meaning he is permanently paralysed from the chest down with no use of his limbs.
It comes at a truly awful time for the family, as his wife Elly now faces the prospect of visiting her husband and looking after the kids while also dealing with radiotherapy sessions of her own, after she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer earlier this year.
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Despite the advice from doctors, the family are holding out for a miracle and suggests that specialist rehabilitation is an option they are seeking, as they pray that David will regain the use of his limbs.
On a GoFundMe page which has already raised well above the £30,000 target, organiser Kim Shannon, a close friend of the family, explained: "David has been diagnosed as quadriplegic, meaning he is permanently paralysed from the chest down and has no use of his limbs.
"Doctors and surgeons have said there is no chance of him regaining any movement.
"We remain extremely hopeful of a miracle through intensive rehabilitation and advancements in medical science. He is currently on a waiting list to be transferred to the Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre, which will provide highly specialist rehabilitation."
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David has already reportedly made 'excellent progress' since coming out of the induced coma, breathing on his own without use of the ventilator, while he is also now able to chew and digest some solid foods.
The fundraiser adds: "Her (Elly's) strength and resilience is remarkable. David will require round-the-clock medical care and rehabilitation for the rest of his life, along with significant modifications to his home, which are only partially subsidised by the government.
"We are fundraising to ensure that David has the best quality of life possible, with access to top-notch care, high-quality therapies, and the latest assistive technologies."
An updated message clarifies that the money from the fundraiser will only be used when David has completed his rehabilitation at Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre.
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Anything left over after that will go towards supporting the family and David as he adapts to life with his injuries, with the latest wheelchair technologies and home adaptations both likely to be necessary when he comes home.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.