A thrill-seeker has been left paralysed from the waist down after plunging to earth at 70mph in a horror skydiving accident.
Kirk Trainor is still in hospital two months after losing control of his parachute in the terrifying fall.
The 31-year-old project manager, who has done nearly 700 jumps, suffered eight broken ribs and a fractured spine, which damaged his spinal cord.
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Poor Kirk, of Middlesbrough, has been left needing a specialist wheelchair.
Two of his friends, Mike Needham and Scott Middleton, have started fundraisers to help him with his care.
The money will go towards his wheelchair and hopefully pioneering stem cell treatment.
One of the appeals has raised more than £19,600.
The second had over £1,340 in donations of its £6,000 target, as reported by Need To Know.
Kirk himself said: “I was involved in a severe skydiving accident that left me with multiple injuries including eight broken ribs and a broken spine.
“Most critically I sustained a spinal cord injury that has resulted in lower limb paralysis with no movement from my belly button down.
“After undergoing surgery to stabilise my spine, I am now on the long road to recovery.
“I am pursuing a promising opportunity to take part in a stem cell program designed to aid recovery from spinal cord injuries and my hope to walk again.
“Cutting-edge treatments such as these are only available in the private sector and require substantial financial investment.
“The treatment and rehabilitation costs are into the hundreds of thousands.
“Whilst some of these costs will be self-funded, I am unable to pursue this opportunity without humbly asking for your help.
“Every donation, no matter how small, will make an enormous difference and help ease the financial burden during this difficult time.”
The accident happened on 11 May.
Mike said: “My dear friend and colleague of 10 years, Kirk Trainor, suffered a severe skydiving accident, resulting in multiple injuries, including eight broken ribs and a fractured spine.
“Most critically he sustained a spinal cord injury leading to paralysis from the waist down.
“Following surgery to stabilize his spine Kirk has begun the arduous journey toward recovery.
“Over the next few months as Kirk continues his treatment I aim to help him maintain some independence by raising funds for a lightweight wheelchair, which costs around £6,000.
“This will aid in his daily mobility and enable him to return to work.
“Should we raise more than needed for the wheelchair, the additional funds will go towards Kirk’s stem cell treatment trial which is approximately £100,000.
“Every contribution no matter the size, will significantly impact and alleviate the hardships Kirk faces during this challenging period.
“As Kirk’s friend, I am appealing to my family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community to gather the necessary funds for his recovery, which will undoubtedly take time.
“If you cannot donate, sharing my campaign with your network would be greatly appreciated.
“All funds raised will be directly transferred to Kirk, and I will personally thank each contributor.
“Together, and with a bit of fortune, we can help Kirk stand again.”
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