A MAN who received treatment from the Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre is completing the Frome 5k in his wheelchair to raise money for the Stars Appeal.

Joshua Payne-Gover had a severe accident in June 2018, diving into shallow water, causing a compression fracture in his neck and severing his spinal cord.

This left him paralysed from his chest to his toes, with a complete spinal cord injury.

After being admitted to the Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre, it didn’t take Josh long to meet Sonya and Jo, two ladies that work for the Stars Appeal.

They take patients out on day trips and give them some freedom, which Josh says is "massively needed".

Josh adds: "In my time at the unit, I have been lucky enough to watch Southampton (try to) play football twice, go to Twickenham to watch England hammer France in the Six Nations, the Hawk Conservancy and Haynes Motor museum.

"They don’t only do day trips, they also have bbq’s, hog roasts, cream teas, ploughman’s lunches and bacon rolls on the ward every two weeks for the patients."

Josh wants the money he raises towards the Stars Appeal Recreation Fund, so future patients can enjoy the trips he did.

He said: "My body doesn't work like it used to, but I want to show everyone that I still have the mental strength to challenge myself physically.

"I also want to give something back to these guys for everything they have done for me.

"To some people the 5k might not seem a lot, but for me it will be a huge task and I have absolutely no idea if I will be able to complete it, but I shall give it my best shot."

"I would appreciate it massively if you could help me along the way and donate some money, no matter how big or small, every little helps."

To donate to Josh's challenge, go to bit.ly/2y74DA1.