Tommy has always been a light in our lives—an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to know him. As a beloved son, brother, and a fiercely loyal friend, his energy and kindness have always brought people together. Even now, facing the life-changing reality of a tetraplegic spinal cord injury following a tragic swimming accident, his spirit remains as powerful as ever. We have launched this fund to match Tommy’s own courage; we want to ensure he has the home environment and essential tools he needs to rebuild his new life with the same strength he has always shown us.

Tommy’s story

Before the accident, Tommy lived life at full speed. He was an incredibly active and talented 20-year-old with an insatiable thirst for sports, travel, and learning and he was always chasing a new passion. Whether he was surfing, playing pickleball, or teaching himself the guitar between his second-year university studies and his part-time job, Tommy rarely stood still.

The Incident in Tampa

In August 2025, Tommy was celebrating the conclusion of a successful summer as a Camp America counselor—a role that perfectly suited his high energy and passion for helping others. While enjoying a well-earned break on a beach in Tampa, Florida, a split-second decision led to a life-altering tragedy. Unbeknownst to Tommy, recent hurricane activity had shifted the seabed, creating a hidden sandbar just beneath the surface. When he dove into the water, he struck the sandbar with immense force, instantly causing catastrophic trauma to his neck.

The Medical Emergency

The impact resulted in acute fractures to the C1, C5, and C6 vertebrae. These are critical points in the cervical spine that protect the nerves controlling essential bodily functions.

The injury caused severe damage to his spinal cord, resulting in immediate paralysis. Tommy was rushed into emergency surgery, where surgeons worked to stabilise his cervical spine. What followed was a grueling three-and-a-half-week battle in a Florida Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he was monitored around the clock for life-threatening complications with his family & friends by his bedside.

The Journey Home

Once his condition was deemed stable, the focus shifted to the monumental task of bringing him back to the UK. Because of the nature of his spinal injury, Tommy could not travel on a standard flight; he required a complex medical evacuation. This involved a specialised medical jet equipped with intensive care facilities and a dedicated medical team to manage his respiratory needs during the long journey across the Atlantic.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Now back in the UK, Tommy’s journey of recovery is just beginning. Transitioning from a life of constant motion to the reality of tetraplegia is a monumental challenge, but Tommy’s spirit remains unbroken He has moved from the acute survival phase into a new, daunting chapter of long-term rehabilitation, facing the reality of his tetraplegia with the same bravery he has shown throughout this whole ordeal.

The fractures to Tommy’s C1, C5, and C6 vertebrae, along with the resulting complications, have left him tetraplegic. This means all four of his limbs are affected; he has lost the ability to walk leaving him a permanent wheelchair user. He is paralysed from his chest down and is unable to use his hands, as a result Tommy now requires around-the-clock care for even the simplest daily tasks. Our focus has now shifted to supporting Tommy through intensive rehabilitation as he adapts to this 'new normal,' to helping him find the strength and skills to navigate his new life.

Funds needed

The road ahead for Tommy is long and challenging, and the costs associated with his recovery are significant. As Tommy’s mother I will be managing the funds.

To move forward, Tommy requires:

Critically, we want to ensure Tommy can still be 'Tommy.' As many of you know, sport and music are in Tommy’s DNA and by investing in adaptive sports gear and musical equipment, we can help him stay connected to the passions that define him. We want to keep him connected to the things he loves as this will be vital for his mental and physical wellbeing. We want Tommy to have the very best chance at a full, happy life—a life without barriers.

Our goal

Our goal is to remove every barrier in Tommy's way so he can live his life to the absolute fullest. But we can not do this alone.

Inspired by the many friends asking how they can help—from partaking in marathons to charity walks/ challenges - we have started this page to channel that incredible support to give Tommy the future he deserves.

We will post regular updates here to share Tommy’s progress. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us, your support and generosity means the world to our family.