A dad has been left paralysed after a freak accident while on a family holiday in Ibiza. David Hayes, 37, wife Elly, and their two children were spending time as a family on the island before Elly was due to start breast cancer treatment.
But while diving in the sea with his children, David broke a vertebrae in his neck and damaged two in his spine. He spent almost three weeks in an induced coma at a Spanish hospital before being transferred to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. According to a GoFundMe appeal which to date has raised over £30,000, David is now a quadriplegic, with permanent paralysis from his chest down.
David underwent urgent surgery in Spain where he received a titanium and artificial bone cylinder to stabilise his neck, according to the Mirror.
Surgeons say there is no chance of David, from Torquay in Devon, of regaining movement. Despite the diagnosis, family and friends are hoping for a miracle.
David is now on a waiting list to be transferred to Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre, which is about a two hour drive from Torquay.
GoFundMe organiser Kim Shannon said: “David has been making excellent progress. He is breathing on his own for long stints off the ventilator.
“This is fantastic news as damage to the C3-C5 section of the spinal cord can impair control of the diaphragm. However, he continues to experience weakened respiratory function. He can also now chew and digest some solid foods.
“Elly is undergoing radiotherapy treatment, alongside caring for their children, daily visits to David’s bedside, managing their businesses and the overwhelming volume of administrative tasks that come with these circumstances. Her strength and resilience is remarkable.”
David will require 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation for the rest of his life as well as major adaptations to his home, with only partial financial support from the Government.
Kim said: “We are fundraising to ensure David has the best quality of life, with access to first-rate care, high quality therapies and the latest in assistive technologies.
“A lot of people have contacted us asking how they can help David, Elly and the children cope with this tragic and incomprehensible situation.
“Any amount donated will be hugely appreciated and if you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends/followers.”
To donate visit GoFundMe.