Paralysed dad from Gosport who slipped by paddling pool moves to spinal rehab centre earlier than doctors expected

Simon Cooper has been in Southampton General Hospital since he slipped on wet grass by a paddling pool in his sister-in-law’s Bridgemary garden, leaving him paralysed and breathing through a ventilator.

Although doctors initially expected the 41-year-old to be in Southampton for three months, yesterday he was moved to Salisbury’s Spinal Treatment Centre for further rehabilitation after just six weeks and three days.

Brother Mike Cooper, who grew up with Simon in Gosport, said: ‘Simon is making a remarkable recovery at the moment, he is off his ventilator now which also surprised doctors as this was not expected so soon.

‘The family is so happy for his progress and we are now starting to make efforts on his house ready for him to come home within one year.’

An outpouring of support for the family’s fundraising appeal has meant more than £34,000 has been collected to help adapt the family home, which Simon shares with his wife Leanne and two children Lee, 18, and Abbie, 16.

The aim is for lifelong Pompey fan Simon, who has served in the army for 20 years and was two years from retirement, to be back at his home in Chippenham within a year - with the house needing plenty of adaptations for his needs.

In an update to the fundraising page, Simon’s wife Leanne wrote: ‘This is so exciting for us as a family as it will start the process of knowing his needs and getting the house ready to get him home where he belongs.’

These changes will cost thousands of pounds - but plenty of amazing fundraisers are taking place in the near future, thanks to the support of family, friends and strangers.

Mike will complete the Three Peaks Challenge in August, along with Portsmouth-based brother Robert, sister Caroline who has a hair salon in Whiteley, and Simon’s son Lee.

Funding has flooded in from people all over the work, including close to home where a keen supporter ran a marathon along Stokes Bay seafront.

Visit gf.me/u/x9pgp2 to donate to the family’s appeal.

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