Can you help Ethan Burn – a spinal injuries champion

A long anticipated trip in Thailand turned into a life changing episode for 22-year-old Ethan Burn from Hitchin, when a shallow dive turned into a serious injury in the blink of an eye.

Both Ethan and his parents' Chris and Sharon's lives were turned upside down after the injury caused a dislocation which crushed his spinal cord, instantly paralysing him from the neck down.

Every parent's worst nightmare: Can you help Hitchin's Ethan Burn, 22, paralysed after trip to Thailand

Since the accident, the challenges have been immense for the Burn family from Hampden Road, Hitchin- from navigating the immediate aftermath on a remote island to getting him back and securing appropriate care in the UK.

Currently, Ethan has a temporary place at a specialist rehab hospital, thanks to insurance cover, while he waits for an appropriate bed and rehabilitation via the NHS.

Current funding will soon cease, and the family face difficult decisions due to the massive NHS waiting list for spinal injury patients. Specialist equipment outside of the remit of social care is required, such as an exoskeleton arm which should allow him to regain his independence and enable a return to work.

Mum and dad Chris and Sharon are now raising funds for ongoing rehabilitation, equipment and adaptations to enable Ethan to be as independent as he can.

Ethan's parents say: "We realise we have set a huge target but this is probably our one chance to make a difference to Ethan's ongoing quality of life. It will help fund the right ongoing rehabilitation and adaptations to our home for his return.

"Ethan is the guy who, while still at school and working at Lidl, paid for a pensioner's shopping when they became distressed after realising, they had no money at the checkout.

"We have always taught him that 'what goes around comes around' and the generosity we have been shown so far is testament to this."

So far, the family and friends have raised more than £70,000 with an overall target being £150,000.

"Your support means the world to us," Chris and Sharon say, adding: "Thank you for joining us on this journey to make a difference in Ethan's life and those of others going through this all-too common and frightening ordeal."

All funds raised will be managed by Aspire - a national spinal cord injury charity who will claim any Gift Aid on each contribution, meaning Gift Aid donations will go further in supporting Ethan.

Aspire will receive a percentage of the total fund, allowing them to continue their vital services in supporting Ethan, and others.

You can support the fundraising to help Ethan and others with spinal injuries by donating here

In happier times. Ethan and loving mum Sharon.