“OVERWHELMING” support for a Herefordshire man, paralysed after a tragic accident seven months ago, is paving the way for him to return home next month.

A fall from a ladder in Kington last June left builder Martin Wilks with a fractured skull and severe traumatic brain injury. While he has been receiving ongoing treatment at the specialist neuro rehabilitation unit in Leamington Spa, parishioners in his home village at Almeley have responded swiftly to his plight.

As a result of a concerted fundraising campaign and an additional grant, almost £20,000 has been pledged to adapt Martin’s home for wheelchair use. His wife, Helen who is attending a hospital discharge meeting later this month, has been deeply moved by the “extraordinary” support the Wilks family has received.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support,” she said. “I’d absolutely no idea so many people thought so well of Martin.”

She continued: “When I opened an account for the money raised to bring him home, I told the bank manager how he wouldn’t believe how lucky we are to live in Almeley. The level of support is extraordinary.”

Neighbour Mary Goode has co-ordinated the campaign which has included a series of major fundraisers including a darts’ challenge night in Almeley with high-profile player Terry ‘The Bull’ Jenkins. Sales of a village calendar, designed by Martin and Helen’s daughter, Emma has also boosted the fund. Meanwhile, online crowdfunding, cheques and cash donations, events and a disability grant from Herefordshire Council have put the latest figure at £19,255.

Said Helen: “If it wasn’t for Mary this would not have happened; she is a remarkable woman who has been instrumental in raising this money.”

She claimed the family was “unbelievably lucky” to receive support from Mary and from the whole village. Astonishingly, before retiring and moving to Almeley, Mary worked for the Headway charity helping to improve life after brain injury.

“It’s just so unbelievably lucky!” said Helen.

When Mary retired to Almeley from Cambridge three years ago, she discovered Martin to be a supportive neighbour.

“He’s a real character,” she said. “He was always popping round to help out.” The response from villagers has been “amazing”, she said. “Everyone has pulled out all the stops, especially Lisa and Jason at the Bells.”

Martin’s life was in the balance when he was in intensive care at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, Birmingham. Since then he has had strokes, seizures, infections, pneumonia and a lung abscess. While receiving treatment in Leamington Spa, he has been able to use his left arm and has some use of his right, but his legs remain paralysed.

Changes have to be made to adapt the Wilks’ home for Martin’s wheelchair. A new downstairs’ bathroom needs to be built, doorways widened and new flooring laid. Friends in the building trade, and the Band of Builders charity have pledged to help with the work.