British firefighter paralysed from neck down after falling into the sea on his own stag do
28-year-old James Thorpe broke his neck and seven vertebrae within the first two hours of his stag do holiday in Majorca
YOUNG Brit James Thorpe has been left paralysed from the neck down after a freak accident on his stag-do in Spain.
The firefighter, 28, broke his neck and seven vertebrae in his spine just two hours after arriving on the holiday island of Majorca with his stag-party.
He says he tripped and fell while paddling in the sea at knee-height, banging his head on the seabed last Thursday.
Despite being told he may not walk again by doctors, Mr Thorpe has vowed to make it back to the UK to wed his fiance Michaela Watson on June 24.
Michaela, who has rushed to Majorca to be by James' bedside, said: "James is so excited about getting married that he's using it as his drive to get better.
"We've spent two years planning our big day and it's heartbreaking to think it might not go ahead but he keeps promising me that it is.
"His goal is to make it down the aisle and I can't take that away from him.
"It was my worst nightmare when I found out what happened, I was devastated when I saw him but he's trying to be positive about it, and we're doing all we can to get him home."
James flew out to the popular holiday island last week with lifelong pals, and was paddling in the sea just two hours after landing.
A sudden gush of water swept him off his feet, making his slip and hit his head on the seabed.
According to his fiance, the brave firefighter new instantly that his neck was broken because of his professional training in the fire service.
"He knew instantly what he'd done," she said.
"He kept really calm and luckily one of his friends spotted him going under the water or he would have drowned.
"He was directing his friends to tell them what to do and they made a headrest out of sand so he could keep his neck still.
"He was even liaising with a nurse who happened to be there to make sure he didn't do anything to make his injuries worse."
Simon said: "I have spoken to [James] since, and if anything, he seemed the most upbeat person there. The wedding is still on at present."
Back in the UK, Chief Fire Officer for Norfolk, Rob Harold, said crews across the region were wishing Mr Thorpe and his family all the best.
He said: "We ask crew/firefighters to let us know if they've been in an accident, which is likely to mean they will be off more than a week, while on holiday, as we will need to get cover for them at their stations.
"The fire service is a close-knit family."
Big day 'ruined' by hotel blunder
A BRIDE-to-be who spent two years planning a family wedding in Greece was heartbroken after a holiday firm switched her hotel but did not tell her.
Linzi Wynne nd Paul Routledge, both 31, who fly to Zante today, booked suites for their 24 guests. Linzi, of Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, said: “I’ve spent this last week sobbing. I wanted it all to be perfect.”
First Choice apologised, but said the mix-up arose after Linzi amended her booking.
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