On July 30, 2016 Alan was involved in a trampoline accident and sustained a dislocation in his neck at C5 & C6 level resulting in paralysis from the chest down.

Alan spent 54 days in Intensive Care at The Royal Victoria Hospital and a further 19 days in the spinal unit before being transferred to Musgrave Park Hospital, where he is continuing his recovery.

Whilst he is receiving therapy input from the team at Musgrave, this is only the beginning of Alan's journey to recovery and in the New Year when Alan returns home, he will require continued intensive rehabilitation which is not offered by the NHS.

Therefore members of Alan's friends and family have established the Alan Patterson Trust, and through it the goal is to raise the necessary funds for the dedicated support and treatment he requires.