Donation protected
To follow David's progress, please visit -
On Friday 11th July 2025, David sustained a life changing spinal cord injury whilst on holiday in Ibiza with his wife Elly and their two children. In another exceptionally cruel twist of fate, Elly has recently been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer.
The holiday was an opportunity for some precious family time, before Elly was due to begin her cancer treatment.
Whilst diving in the sea with his children, David broke the C5 vertebrae in his neck, damaging the C4-C6 section of his spinal cord.
After nearly 3 weeks in an induced coma in a Spanish hospital, David was transferred to the ICU at Derriford Hospital, where he remains for the time being.
David, 42, has been diagnosed as quadriplegic, meaning he is permanently paralysed from the chest down and has no use of his limbs. Doctors and surgeons have said there is no chance of him regaining any movement. We remain extremely hopeful of a miracle through intensive rehabilitation and advancements in medical science. He is currently on a waiting list to be transferred to the Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre, which will provide highly specialist rehabilitation.
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, 38, 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 and vast adaptations to his home, which is only part subsidised by the government. We are fundraising to ensure that 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.
Thank you to those who have reached out with messages of support, for which Elly and David are truly grateful.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kim Shannon
Organizer
England
David Hayes
Beneficiary