Fundraising events are already being set up to help the paralysed victim of a tragic swimming accident.

Former Harwich School pupil David Pells, 23, sustained a broken neck after hitting his chin on the sea bed in Oman two weeks ago.

A cook with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Mr Pells is currently in Berkshire's Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

In Harwich, friends are organising a quiz night for later this month, while an event is also being arranged to be held at Chances Snooker Club in Dovercourt.

His mother, Teresa Pells, of Kings Head Street, Harwich, said although her son's mood was fluctuating while in hospital, she had seen improvements on each visit.

"I see little improvements in him every time I go over there. He could do a little bit more with his left hand, or something like that. With someone who was into their sport and such like, it's just such a shame - but he won't give up."

Fiancee Stephanie Smith, with whom Mr Pells set up a home in Newcastle in November, said she was taking things "a day at a time".

"I've been down with him for the duration of his stay at hospital. We've been engaged for a year in July and obviously the marriage is still going ahead."

Miss Smith is now hoping to get a temporary job transfer with her company to the Berkshire area so she can be near her fiance.

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