Appeal set up to help Torquay family hit by 'incomprehensible' tragedy

A father of two young children from Torquay has been left paralysed in a diving accident on a family holiday abroad — organised to help them prepare for a cancer battle facing his wife.
Friends of local businessman David Hayes have set up an appeal fund as he faces a lifetime of care and rehabilitation. His wife Elly has just started treatment for breast cancer.
Their tragic story but amazing bravery has been told on social media under the headline “David’s Determination”.

It is a frank, moving and inspiring account of what has happened and the challenging journey they now face as a family.
The couple are well-known in business circles in Torbay and South Devon, where they run businesses including Hydropool Devon, Riviera Decking and Hayes Timber Buildings.
The accident happened on Friday, July 11 when David sustained a ‘life changing’ spinal cord injury whilst on holiday in Ibiza with his family.
“In another exceptionally cruel twist of fate, Elly has recently been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer,” the social media story reveals.
The post adds: “The holiday was an opportunity for some precious family time, before Elly was due to begin her cancer treatment.”
It goes on to explain: “Whilst diving in the sea with his children, David broke the C5 vertebrae in his neck, damaging the C4-C6 section of his spinal cord.
“Due to the immediate paralysis after the neck break, David was unable to swim to the surface and ingested a lot of salt water. This later developed into pneumonia and a collapsed lung.
“After nearly three weeks in an induced coma in a Spanish hospital, David was transferred to the ICU at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where he remains for the time being. David has been diagnosed as quadriplegic, meaning he is permanently paralysed from the chest down and has no use of his limbs. Doctors and surgeons have said there is no chance of him regaining any movement.
“We remain extremely hopeful of a miracle through intensive rehabilitation and advancements in medical science. He is currently on a waiting list to be transferred to the Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre, which will provide highly specialist rehabilitation.”
The post says that David has been making excellent progress and adds: “He is breathing on his own for long stints off the ventilator.
“This is fantastic news as damage to the C3-C5 section of the spinal cord can impair control of the diaphragm. However, he continues to experience weakened respiratory function. He can also now chew and digest some solid foods.”
It reveals: “Elly is undergoing radiotherapy treatment, alongside caring for their children, daily visits to David’s bedside, managing their businesses and the overwhelming volume of administrative tasks that come with these circumstances. Her strength and resilience is remarkable.
“Right now, David isn’t accepting visitors with the exception of close family, although he is looking forward to seeing more family and friends later on in his recovery. He did, however, receive a heart-warming visit this weekend from his beloved dog Tilly.”
It adds: “A little update on Elly’s cancer treatment: she has completed her first week of radiotherapy and is doing well. She’s surrounded by wonderful support from family and friends, and we’re making sure she’s being well looked after.”
The social media page says that David will require 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation for the rest of his life and vast adaptations to his home, which is only part subsidised by the government.
“We are fundraising to ensure that David has the best quality of life, with access to first-rate care, high quality therapies and the latest in assistive technologies,” says the page.
It adds: “A lot of people have contacted us asking how they can help David, Elly and the children cope with this tragic and incomprehensible situation.
“Any amount donated will be hugely appreciated and if you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends.”
The link to the online fund-raising page is https://gofund.me/55266abe