Overview

• David Hayes, 37, suffered a C5 fracture with C4–C6 spinal cord damage after diving into the sea on a family holiday in Ibiza, and doctors have diagnosed quadriplegia.
• He spent several weeks in an induced coma in Spain and underwent neck-stabilising surgery with a titanium and artificial bone cylinder.
• Complications included salt-water aspiration leading to pneumonia and a collapsed lung, with subsequent ventilator support and a tracheostomy.
• Now in intensive care at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, he is breathing unaided for longer periods, retains weakened respiratory function, and can chew and digest some solid foods.
• A GoFundMe appeal has raised more than £28,300 toward a £30,000 target to support specialist rehabilitation, home adaptations, and assistive technologies, as his wife Elly continues radiotherapy and childcare.