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Dad left paralysed in holiday diving accident after wife's cancer diagnosis
Herald Express
|September 24, 2025
FUNDS are being raised to help a dad from Torquay who suffered a catastrophic injury in a freak accident while on holiday with his family in Ibiza.
Funds are being raised to help David Hayes, who suffered life-changing injuries on holiday in Ibiza
David Hayes, 37, was placed in an induced coma for almost three weeks after sustaining a life-changing spinal cord injury while diving in the sea on July 11.
He is permanently paralysed from the chest down, with no use of his limbs, and will need 24-hour medical care rehabilitation for life.
In a cruel twist of fate, the family holiday was arranged after his wife Elly was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer and was due to start treatment.
David’s family has provided an update and thanked all those who have contributed to a fundraiser to help with his rehab and for the much-needed adaptation to his home.
So far, more than £35,000 has been raised.
The GoFundMe appeal says: “The holiday was an opportunity for some precious family time, before Elly was due to begin her cancer treatment.
This story is from the September 24, 2025 edition of Herald Express.
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