The accident occurred at the end of July when on the first day of his holiday Jack went into the sea, dived under a wave and broke his neck, leaving him paralysed from the chest down.


A statement from the family explained: “After medical assessments and x-rays, Jack was airlifted to Faro hospital, where an operation was immediately carried out to repair the damage to his spine.


“Jack is making a good but slow recovery, and remains paralysed from the chest down at the moment. He now has some movement in his arms and hands. As far as we know, more surgery is planned, followed by extensive physical rehabilitation.


“We don’t know what the future holds for this 17 year old who is always full of ideas, and is one of the most hard working lads you could ever meet. And that is why we are asking for your help and donations, because we want to give Jack the best chance possible to be able to live his life the way he wants to”.


An appeal to help raise funds for Jack has now been launched on Facebook with the aim of raising funds to help Jack live as normal a life as is possible throughout his recuperation period.


While the entire incident has been extremely traumatic for all involved, family and friends of Jack would like to also thank the Bombeiros from Vila do Bispo, paediatric emergency at Portimão and all of the medical team at Faro hospital who are taking care of Jack, “the care and attention from the medical and emergency staff has been outstanding”.


For further information about the Jack’s Accident appeal, please visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/423737578241145/?fundraiser_source=external_url


“Please remember that a little means a lot to Jack, and whatever you can give will help him on his long road to recovery. Thank you,” concluded his family.