British student, 22, left paralysed from neck down after smashing his head into rocks while diving into Swedish lake
Gerard Murphy was pulled to safety from the water by his horrified friends - who have now praised the young man for remaining his 'positive, upbeat self' in the face of the horror accident
A STUDENT has been left paralysed from the neck down after he smashed his head on the rocky bottom of a Swedish lake in a dive gone wrong.
Gerard Murphy, 22, broke his neck and fractured his spine in the freak accident in July - but has been praised for remaining positive despite fears he may never walk again.
The young man, who loves the outdoors, had been on a summer break in Sweden when he was critically injured, having misjudged the depth of the lake.
Smashing his head onto the rocky bottom, he had to be dragged from the water by terrified friends.
Rushed to hospital for emergency surgery, the young man of Welwyn Garden City, Herts, is now undergoing extensive rehabilitation, supported by his friends and family.
Friend Alex Jundi, said: "Despite the horror of the accident, Gerard remains his positive, upbeat self, and is determined to make as much progress as possible."
He said: "Gerard's the most amazing guy.
"He has the ability to capture a room with his jokes - he is extremely intelligent and so positive.
"When Gerard left Lister Hospital the nurses all cried - and that's just testament to how well-liked and warm he is."
He said that sports-mad Gerard, who has been studying Arabic and geography at Exeter University, now needed vital equipment for the future as he rebuilds his life.
Alex said: "The accident has naturally had a seismic effect on Gerard's life, as well as the lives of his friends and family.
"I set up the JustGiving page to help pay for all the things he will need in the future
"This could be a wheelchair, adjustments to his accommodation, technology or anything else."
The family has already set up voice recognition on Gerard's iPad - now working to ensure he will be able to access the care and other adapted equipment that he will need into the future.
And the young man hasn't given up on study, either.
Alex said: "He intends to complete the final year of his degree when the time is right.
"Gerard is also incredibly grateful to those who have donated to the JustGiving page
"It has given him the motivation to put in the hard work required during rehab."
Friends are fundraising through .
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