A YOUNG Belfast father who broke his back in a swimming pool accident in Ibiza is recovering after a spinal operation.
Sean Paul McCabe, 20, was just two days into a holiday with friends on the Spanish island when he dived head first into the shallow end of a swimming pool, almost snapping his spinal chord.
His family initially feared that Mr McCabe could be left paralysed after the accident on Wednesday, August 26.
But initial surgery to one vertebrae has indicated that this will not be the case. In a second operation on Thursday surgeons inserted metal rods into his spine.
His girlfriend Zoe Espie, 18, the mother their two-year-old son Rhiley, is in Ibiza with Sean Paul's parents Gerard and Edith.
She posted on Facebook: "Just want everyone to know that Sean Paul's operation went well and he is on the mend.
"Thank you everyone for your wishes and he will begin his recovery now."
Sean Paul with girlfriend Zoe (Photo: Facebook)Sean Paul’s family had launched an online appeal earlier in the week to help fund his expensive treatment as he had not taken out travel insurance for the last-minute holiday.
His sister Denise posted on an online fundraising page that it was Mr McCabe’s first holiday abroad without his family and appealed to generous donors for help raising money for his treatment.
“We ask for any help you can give us with fundraising for our family to be able to stay by his side while he goes through this as he is going to be in hospital for a long time. As he didn’t have insurance it would cost £20,000 to bring him home, which is impossible,” she said.
“The only other option we have is to stay here which is expensive also. Any help you can give us through this tragic time will be very much appreciated.”
So far, over £7,000 has been raised, exceeding the £5,000 target.
