Altruism
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 3:20 am
Four years ago, Dan Black was paralysed in a cycling accident. Ever since, he has been raising money for pioneering stem cell treatment which could one day help him walk again.
But now, after collecting £20,000, the 25-year-old has given it all away – so a little boy can learn to walk instead.
Mr Black abandoned his own dream after hearing about five-year-old Brecon Vaughan, who lives near him just outside Chepstow, in South Wales.
Brecon was born with rare spastic diplegia cerebral palsy which causes stiffness in his legs, poor balance and coordination. He has to use a walking frame to get around, and his family are desperately trying to raise £60,000 for an operation in America to help him walk unaided for the first time.
Mr Black, who is wheelchair-bound, said he made the extraordinary gesture because Brecon had a better chance of walking than he does. ‘I know for me that things aren’t going to get better any time soon,’ he said. ‘I just wanted to do something that could help someone whose life could get better. ‘Brecon can definitely walk if he has the surgery. I wouldn’t wish being paralysed on anyone, so if I can help someone walk, I will.’
He continued: ‘While there is hope for Brecon, I will do everything I can, because I don’t want to see a young boy suffer. ‘I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped me out but this boy needs it more than I do at the moment. ‘It would make me very happy to see the difference made to Brecon’s life. I just hope when I give the money it encourages others to [give].’
The treatment Mr Black was hoping to get is in development. While there has been progress in trials abroad, it would be at least five years before he could be helped. Mr Black was knocked off his bike by a car in 2009, as he cycled to work at Tesco. He broke a vertebrae which left him paralysed from the chest down. He also suffered a stroke as he recovered in hospital, which left him without the use of his right arm.
