THE family of a scaffolder left paralysed after a horrific fall is appealing for the community to back a charity night to boost the specialist unit caring for him.
Former scaffolder Doug Newman worked at heights for years, yet a simple but life-changing fall downstairs at his family home in South Tyneside has left him unable to walk or feed himself.
Father and grandfather Mr Newman, 67, has battled pneumonia and suffered weight loss since he wrecked his spine and broke his shoulder when he fell backwards down the stairs in Fieldway, Hedworth, Jarrow, earlier this year.
Doctors have told him he will never walk again, and spinal damage means he cannot use his hands to feed himself.
Now his family is asking for support for a charity event in aid of the spinal unit at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where Mr Newman is a patient.
His wife, Anne, 63, said: “When Doug fell down the stairs, the doctors say his spinal cord was wrapped around the wrong way.
“The damage was so bad because he fell down backwards, after losing his step. He came down 13 stairs the wrong way and lost consciousness.
“Doug worked as a scaffolder for years, at all sorts of places and heights, but then he falls down the stairs at home and this happens.
“Doctors say he won’t be able to walk again and his hands have become like claws, so he has to be fed as well. He has some feeling in his legs and hands, but that’s all.
“Doug’s in the James Cook hospital, and we hope to have him out for Christmas, but he will have to go back in after that.”
The couple’s daughters, Lesley and Karen, have organised a charity night for the Teesside spinal unit, which will be held at the Boldon Lad pub in Hedworth Lane, Jarrow, on Saturday, November 12, at 7pm.
Mrs Newman added: “We just want to raise as much money as possible for the spinal unit caring for Doug and would love to see as many people at the event as possible.
“There will be a karaoke, a buffet and refreshments and everyone is welcome.”
Mrs and Mrs Newman, who also have three grandchildren, have been married for 39 years, and have lived at their Jarrow home for more than 30 years.
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