Tunstall man vows to go to France for pioneering care
FRIENDS and family of a father-of-one left paralysed from the neck down in a swimming pool accident are raising cash to pay for pioneering treatment abroad.
Glyn Holland has spoken of his determination to travel to France for the laser acupuncture treatment.
The former removal man was injured in September and faces having to spend the next 12 months in a specialist Sheffield hospital.
More than £4,000 has already been raised to help with his recovery.
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Speaking from his hospital bed, the 32-year-old, of Grasmere Terrace, Tunstall, told The Sentinel: "It is a long road to recovery but I feel that I am getting there.
"I want to go to France because the treatment will help me get some movement back.
"It could make a big difference and I am just focusing on getting there.
"It is great to know that people are donating money and I really appreciate what everyone has done for me. I can't thank people enough for their support."
The treatment – which is more readily available abroad – uses laser beams to re-stimulate nerve cells.
Family and friends staged a sponsored bag-pack at Sainsbury's, in Hanley, on Saturday to raise money towards the treatment.
Sister Michelle Holland-Washington, of Ruxley Road, Bucknall, who is a trainee teacher, said: "This treatment has helped so many people who had been paralysed from the neck down and can now use their arms.
"We are also saving for a FES bike which will send electrical impulses to Glyn's nerves and also build his muscles up while he is in his wheelchair.
"It is still early days yet and we are concentrating on raising the funds for Glyn."
Glyn needed emergency surgery after dislocating two bones at the back of his neck when he fell over on a family holiday in Majorca. He was flown back to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire before being transferred to Sheffield in October.
Fiance Jenna Craik, aged 27, said: "Glyn is doing well and we are concentrating on raising as much money as possible to help him.
"He is starting to get sensation back in his fingers but is still unable to move his arms and legs.
"There is a chance that he may never get the feeling back entirely but you never know. We are praying for a miracle and hope these extra treatments will make a big difference for him."
The exact cost of the laser acupuncture – which would take place over six months – is still being worked out.
Glyn's mother Valerie Holland, aged 57, of Merrion Drive, Bradeley, added: "Whatever it takes we will get it for him. The response from people has been amazing."
To make a donation for Glyn, e-mail michwin_@hotmail.com.
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