Freshwater man thanks Isle of Wight footballers for kindness

Due to the horrific injuries inflicted by the driver, who was later prosecuted, Dale was placed in a coma for three weeks and is now confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

But Dale is making the most of his life in a wheelchair and sails, skis and competes in distance races for the Spinal Research charity for which he works part-time, as data and integrations manager.

Fundraising through football and the London marathon are helping. Scroll down for a link to support the charity...

Paul and Dale Muffett skiing in Colorado. (Image: Dale Muffett)

Earlier this month, Paul’s veterans football team, Freshwater Veterans, took on the Real Vectis Veterans at East Cowes and added £400 to the Spinal Research coffers through a collection among the two teams.

In addition to the fundraising already done, Paul’s daughter and Dale’s sister, Chloe, 27, who lives in Norfolk, is running the London Marathon for the charity.

• Sponsor Chloe's London Marathon fundraising run for Spinal Research HERE

Paul said: “Dale was taken to Southampton hospital and admitted to the neuro intensive care ward as it was feared that even if he survived he may have a brain injury.

"He, who now lives with wife, Rachael, in a specially converted home in Hayling Island but was in a coma for nearly three weeks.

“By some miracle he did survive and doesn't have a brain injury but will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

“In addition, anyone with a spinal cord injury has to deal with many other serious issues, using a catheter, not being able to have a family of their own, pressure sores etc.”

Dale and Rachael Muffett. (Image: Dale Muffett)

Paul said Dale and Rachael are now going through the process of adopting a child.

Paul said: “The whole incident and the fact I could not see him in hospital due to Covid, made me very angry.

 “However, the support we have had on the Isle of Wight, even though Dale is not from here, has been amazing.”