A daredevil has been left paralysed from the waist down after a terrifying 70mph plunge during a skydiving mishap.
Kirk Trainor, a 31-year-old project manager, is still in hospital two months after losing control of his parachute in the horrifying fall. The experienced skydiver, who has nearly 700 jumps under his belt, suffered eight broken ribs and a fractured spine, which damaged his spinal cord.
Sadly, Kirk, from Middlesbrough, now requires a specialist wheelchair for mobility. His mates, Mike Needham and Scott Middleton, have started fundraising campaigns to assist him with his care.
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The funds raised will be used for his wheelchair and potentially groundbreaking stem cell treatment.
(Image: Jam Press/Mike Needham)
One of the fundraisers has already collected more than £19,600.
The second fundraiser has received over £1,340 in donations towards its £6,000 goal, as reported by NeedToKnow.
In his own words, Kirk said: “I was involved in a severe skydiving accident that left me with multiple injuries including eight broken ribs and a broken spine.
“Most critically I sustained a spinal cord injury that has resulted in lower limb paralysis with no movement from my belly button down.
(Image: Jam Press/Mike Needham)
“After undergoing surgery to stabilise my spine, I am now on the long road to recovery.
“I am pursuing a promising opportunity to take part in a stem cell program designed to aid recovery from spinal cord injuries and my hope to walk again.
“Cutting-edge treatments such as these are only available in the private sector and require substantial financial investment.
“The treatment and rehabilitation costs are into the hundreds of thousands.
(Image: Jam Press/Mike Needham)
“Whilst some of these costs will be self-funded, I am unable to pursue this opportunity without humbly asking for your help.
“Every donation, no matter how small, will make an enormous difference and help ease the financial burden during this difficult time.”
He added: “My hand slipped off the toggle which brakes the parachute as I was coming in to land.
“And I didn’t have time before hitting the ground.
“I landed feet first and all the force of the impact went into my lower spine just above the lumbar.
(Image: Jam Press/Mike Needham)
“My legs just stopped working and I knew it was serious.
“It’s like being in a motorbike accident but I’m lucky to be alive.
“It could have been worse – people have died in similar accidents.”
Mike said: “My dear friend and colleague of 10 years, Kirk Trainor, suffered a severe skydiving accident, resulting in multiple injuries, including eight broken ribs and a fractured spine.
“Over the next few months as Kirk continues his treatment I aim to help him maintain some independence by raising funds for a lightweight wheelchair, which costs around £6,000.
“Should we raise more than needed for the wheelchair, the additional funds will go towards Kirk’s stem cell treatment trial which is approximately £100,000.”
He added “As Kirk’s friend, I am appealing to my family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community to gather the necessary funds for his recovery, which will undoubtedly take time.
“If you cannot donate, sharing my campaign with your network would be greatly appreciated.
“All funds raised will be directly transferred to Kirk, and I will personally thank each contributor.
“Together, and with a bit of fortune, we can help Kirk stand again.”
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