Pub customers have raised thousands of pounds to buy a vital piece of equipment for a man seriously injured in a car accident.

Here you go - Matthew Green tries out his new exercise machine with Nigel and Tracey Martin. Picture: NICK OBANK 40476-2

Matthew Green, 20, was involved in a road crash in November 2003 when he swerved to avoid a pedestrian on an unlit country road and collided with a tree near his home.

He broke his neck in the accident, which resulted in him becoming tetraplegic, meaning he has no use or movement in his body or limbs below his shoulders.

Matthew currently lives with a carer in Blackmore End, near Halstead, and studies business and information technology at Braintree College.

Nigel and Tracey Martin, of the Western Arms pub in Silver End, organised a charity event at the local village hall last month featuring two local bands.

This event raised about £7,500 £3,800 more than the cost of the exercise machine they were getting to get for Matthew. The surplus will go towards purchasing a specially-adapted bed.

Matthew said: "The machine has been a big help and is something I use all the time. I'd like to thank everyone for their generosity in donating as it has been a real improvement".

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Published Friday, January 14, 2005

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