This is for a true young star that I know.

Dylan is 13, and I've had the pleasure of knowing him since he was born. He's always been a bright and happy boy with a passion for football and bringing joy to people's lives, but no more than to his Father, who adores him.

But on 21st August this year his life changed forever. Dylan was hit by a car at speed and suffered life threatening head injuries. He was air lifted to hospital where Doctors fought hard to revive him twice before having to settle him into an induced coma. At this stage it was unknown if he would even survive the night. Dylan has defied the odds by starting to show signs of recovery, and eventually he was awoken from his coma but remained critical and was still unable to breathe unassisted. In the past couple of weeks several attempts were made to overcome this but failed, but on one final attempt Dylan battled through and can now breathe without assistance.

His devoted Father, and one of my closest friends, Shane, has been commuting there daily since the very beginning, unable to stay at the hospital often due to the Covid restrictions he has religiously made the 70 mile round trip to Southampton General to be with Dylan as often as possible in between working a full time job and supporting his girlfriend and her two children.

It's currently unknown just how long Dylan's road to recovery is but the most important thing is that he has his Father there, and can have the same opportunities as any other child when he's out of hospital and has the level of support he will likely need.

Shane's regular commute will unfortunately likely have to reduce due to the cost so my goal is to raise some money to not only help him towards the commute in the short term but to have some funds set aside so anything Dylan needs when he's eventually back home can be accommodated, and provide him with everything he needs to give him some degree of normality in life. (Apparently he used to love Fortnight!)

I'm no cardio king so I have set myself a big challenge I would love for you to support me on for Dylan. I will be completing a 100 mile row (160km) which will be over 10 days due to time restrictions in the gym, but my aim is to complete it sooner. It will be in my local gym (Primitive Gym in Parkstone) where you will also be able to donate if you can.

Any donation is appreciated and could literally help Dylan in so any ways and ensuring he has the best fresh start again in his life.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Southampton General Hospital who have worked relentlessly in saving Dylan's life. Thanks to you he has a second chance.

Please share this page and pray for Dylan and his family x